A man from Uasin Gishu County is hopeful that, after more than 40 years, he will finally reunite with his former schoolmate, President William Samoei Ruto. Francis Samoei fondly recalls his time at Wareng High School in 1983, where he studied alongside a young Ruto. One of his most treasured possessions is a handwritten success note from the president, written during their school days.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Francis expressed his wish to reconnect with Ruto after decades apart. Francis, who lives with a disability, vividly remembers sharing a classroom with Ruto at Wareng High School in 1983. Among his cherished keepsakes is an autobiography written by Ruto himself, which Francis has kept all these years.
The handwritten note from Ruto, which has aged to a brown color after years of storage, remains a symbol of their shared history and Ruto’s aspirations at the time. In the note, Ruto refers to Francis as “Namesake.”
Despite making several attempts to meet with his former classmate, Francis has faced challenges due to the president’s busy schedule and security protocols. When philanthropist Jonathan Metet shared the note on Facebook, prominent figures such as Kipchumba Murkomen and Dennis Itumbi offered to help reconnect them. Murkomen followed through on his promise, reaching out to Francis to inquire about his life after high school. Francis mentioned that he worked with the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) before returning to his home in Moiben to farm. Murkomen assured him that when they visit Eldoret with the president, they would try to find him.
Francis remains hopeful that one day he will be able to meet Ruto and personally congratulate him on his remarkable journey from a schoolmate to the president of Kenya. As he continues to pursue this reunion, Francis hopes his message will reach Ruto and revive their old friendship.
Kenyans have reacted to the story, encouraging Murkomen and others close to the president to help the two former classmates reunite. Some comments expressed mixed opinions, with a few questioning whether the president should be expected to support all his former classmates, while others expressed a desire for the reunion to take place.
In another perspective, a classmate from Ruto’s primary school days, Truphosa Chebatip, recalled that Ruto was not as ambitious or charismatic in his early years. She remembered Ruto as a student who didn’t hold leadership positions and was not particularly bright, showing how his focus and drive developed as he entered high school.
This story highlights the bond between former classmates and the hope of rekindling old friendships despite years of separation.