Village Elder Jane Zakayo Excited After Meeting William Ruto: "Leo Nimemuona"

• Community leader Jane Wanjiru Zakayo expressed deep joy and pride after meeting President William Ruto for the first time
• Zakayo, who had only seen Ruto on TV before, was thrilled by the president's recognition of her and other community workers
• As a respected leader in Githurai, Zakayo highlighted the unrecognised and unrewarded efforts of local chiefs and elders in improving neighbourhood safety
• She vowed to support Ruto’s efforts, stressing their critical role in identifying and reporting criminal activities despite the personal risks

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kiambu - In a moment of deep emotion and pride, Jane Wanjiru Zakayo, a community leader, has expressed her joy after meeting President William Ruto for the first time.

Zakayo, the day will forever be etched in her memory as a testament to the impact of dedication to duty.

The encounter took place on Monday, September 16, at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete during a meeting with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) from Nairobi Region.

However, the meeting with Ruto marked a significant milestone for Zakayo, revealing that most community workers and village elders are not recognised.

Her eyes sparkling with pride and satisfaction, Zakayo revealed that she had never met the head of state in person.

"But today we are here knowing that the president recognises us. The President recognises us today. I have never seen the President face to face, but today I have seen him. I have only seen him on TV, but now I have seen him one-on-one. I am now happy," Zakayo exclaimed.

She was allowed to greet the head of state after her speech as cameras in the room captured the wholesome memory.

What is Jane's work in the community

A respected leader in the Githurai community, Jane revealed that they had long been at the forefront of local efforts to combat crime and improve safety.

Despite the relentless work, Jane explained that she and her fellow chiefs and elders put into making their neighbourhood safer, their efforts often go unnoticed and unrewarded.

"Let me tell you, Githurai was very bad. But we, together with the chiefs and elders, have worked on it, and we don’t get paid anything; we go home with nothing," Zakayo said, her voice filled with both frustration and hope.

Jane revealed that they were in touch with the ground and had diligently identified and reported criminal activities, often at great personal risk.

She affirmed their enduring support for Ruto, vowing not to let Ruto's efforts in the country go to waste.

"We are the ones who know where the criminals are hiding. When we catch them, we take them to the police, and we are not recognised; no one knows us. We stand behind the President; the work he has done, we cannot let it go to waste," she added.

Ruto says he's ready to meet Gen Zs for dialogue

Separately, the president stated his readiness to engage Gen Zs and address all matters of national interest they raised during protests.

President Ruto spoke during an interview with a group of journalists at State House on Sunday, June 30.

He added that he understood the issues young people grappled with as he has youngsters in his house.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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