Heartwarming moment: President Ruto reconnects with ex-strict teacher
President William Ruto took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on Monday, January 8, as he revisited his roots at Kamagut Primary School in Uasin Gishu County.
The visit turned into a heartwarming reunion when the head of state encountered Mr Ndirangu, his former headteacher known for his strict disciplinary measures.
Dressed in a Kaunda suit, President Ruto arrived at the school to lay the foundation for a much-needed renovation.
The retired teachers, including Mr Ndirangu, were lined up to welcome the President, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
In a touching moment captured on video, President Ruto warmly greeted his former headteacher. “How are you, teacher?” he asked, to which the overwhelmed teacher replied, “Very good, thank you,” shaking hands with the President and leaning on his shoulder.
Amidst laughter from the crowd, President Ruto revealed, “Mr Ndirangu was our headteacher,” he announced, acknowledging the significant role the strict educator played in his formative years. First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto accompanied the President during the visit.
As the two reminisced, the President recalled the disciplinary measures, including caning, that he and his fellow pupils received.
In a lighthearted moment, President Ruto playfully teased Mr Ndirangu about the strictness of his discipline. “Lakini ulituchapa sana wewe (But you used to cane us a lot),” he quipped, evoking laughter from the crowd.
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Mr Ndirangu, however, responded with pride, reminding the President that the discipline instilled in him played a crucial role in shaping his journey to becoming the nation’s leader. “It is through the discipline you received here that you reached the position of the first in command,” Mr. Ndirangu noted.
Born on December 21, 1966, President Ruto began his educational journey at Kamagut Primary School before transferring to Kerotet Primary School.
He later attended Wareng Secondary School and Kapsabet High School, ultimately becoming an alumnus of the University of Nairobi.
Following the visit to Kamagut Primary, President Ruto expressed gratitude to the M-Pesa Foundation, owned by Safaricom, for generously supporting the school’s renovation and the construction of Junior and Senior Schools.
He highlighted that the redevelopment would create a superior learning environment for students, fostering better academic performance.
President Ruto’s trip to his alma mater not only marked a significant step towards the school’s improvement but also showcased the enduring bonds formed through education as he warmly reconnected with the teacher who played a pivotal role in his early years.