Kpa Boss Captain Ruto Discharged

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Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto and his family have been discharged from hospital and are recuperating at home.

The news was received with sighs of relief from the KPA fraternity as top government officials began trooping to his Mombasa home to condole with them.

Those who have visited him at his Mombasa home include President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and his Msambweni counterpart Feisal Abdallah.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who was instrumental in the evacuation of Captain Ruto and his family from Taveta to Mombasa for emergency medical attention, also visited him at his home.

The family said they are happy to be back home but sad to start planning the funeral arrangements for their daughter Mitchell Jelimo Kemboi, who perished in the Friday evening accident.

“We once again thank you for your support and prayers during this difficult time,” KPSA posted on their social media pages.

This comes hours after employees at the KPA held special prayers for their boss at different venues on Sunday morning.

Most were still reeling in shock by Sunday morning.

Captain Ruto had just returned to the country on Thursday from the United Kingdom on a work-related trip.

On Friday, he chose to travel with his family for an Easter getaway to the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania, via the Taveta border, opting to drive from Mombasa.

However, their journey was cut short when their vehicle hit a stationary truck in Taveta, Taita Taveta County.

Ruto, his wife, and two other occupants were admitted to Mombasa Hospital.

The accident sent shockwaves, panic, and distress throughout the Mombasa port.

On Sunday, different groups held prayers in churches and mosques as they prayed for the quick recovery of their boss, one of the most loved MDs in KPA’s history.

Sabrina Kanini, an employee of the port and member of the KPA Women Caucus, said Sunday’s work environment at the Mombasa port was one of tension, sombre and a palpable sense of loss.

“He has been good to us. You could feel there was something amiss at work on Sunday,” Kanini said.

She noted that although work has to go on, morale has dipped a bit.

“Work is going on, but morale is low. You know the port is a 24-hour entity, and things must go on. We are working, but there is just something not normal,” Kanini said on the phone.

"I know it is hard, but I urge fellow workers to brave on. We have to work, you know. Kenya depends on the port to grow its economy," she said.

Scholastika Mashaka, the chair of the KPA Women Caucus, said all KPA women have held special prayers for the MD.

She said this is a trying time for the port and its employees.

“I received the sad news of the tragic accident that claimed our dearest daughter. On behalf of KPA Women Congress and myself, please receive our condolences, and may solace that comes from the risen Christ be upon you and your family,” Mashaka told the family.

She said it is encouraging to see their boss walk again with energy.

“May the soul of the late Mitchelle receive the grace of God, and may the eternal light shine upon her,” Mashaka said.

Dock Workers Union secretary general Simon Sang urged all workers to give maximum support to the MD through high performance.

“We have to ensure a high performance in all our respective positions, but more so we pray for him and his family for the trauma they are going through,” Sang told the Star.

Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe said it is time for Captain Ruto's support staff to step up in his absence so that things move on as swiftly as they did with him at the helm.

She said though the morale of the workers has been affected, all should pray to Allah to give the MD a quick recovery and resume his duties.

"We know he is loved by all the workers at the port. This is a difficult time for them. I am impressed the workers have held special prayers for the MD. It is a sign of someone who is loved by the people.

“That is what leadership is all about. Serving your people with dedication and humility till they love working for you," Kushe, who is eying the Mombasa woman representative position, said.

Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma said the civil society fraternity has been affected by the accident.

“This is a deeply painful moment, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As you also undergo treatment, I wish you strength, healing, and comfort,” Auma told Captain Ruto.

INSTANT ANALYSIS:

KPA boss Captain William Ruto’s term was extended about a month ago after a stellar performance in his previous term. He becomes one of the few MDs whose terms were extended for a second three-year term.