On Sunday, July 10, a picture of a frail-looking old man addressing Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos’s campaign meeting surfaced online.
The elderly John Kiplagat Chebii who hails from Toror area of Soy ward, Keiyo North, Elgeiyo Marakwet County was captured wearing rags.
The photo of Chebii campaigning for Governor Ales Tolgos re-election bid while barefooted broke the hearts of netizens after noting his pitiable condition.
Among those who were touched by his condition include Elgeyo Marakwet and Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who rescued the old man with torn clothes.
In a statement posted on his social media pages, Murkomen, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto said he was approached by a team of people who told him about the plight of the elderly man prompting him to chip in.
“A team of my friends who were touched by a photo of Mzee John Chebii aka Full Time shared by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos approached me to support them to improve the welfare of the Mzee and his family. This morning the team visited the family with a little support,” Murkomen said in a Tweet.
Murkomen who is eying the gubernatorial seat thanked his bitter rival for sharing the images adding that he bought the old man and his wife new outfits among other goodies.
“They also assessed the prevailing situation in the family. Whereas there are many people and families living in the same or even worse conditions, it behooves us to support where we can one person at a time.I have asked the team to proceed with our support to improve the Mzee’s shelter,” Murkomen added.
City lawyer Donald Kipkorir offered to build a house for Mzee Kiplagat.
“Get a quote for a two-roomed house and get back to me,” Kipkorir wrote in the comments section.
