Ledama Olekina Approaches Viral Graduate Mercy Tarus With Job Offer

The Senator, who is an ardent supporter of Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, expressed admiration for Tarus' courage and revealed that he wanted to work with her.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Aug 10, 2023 - 11:31 Updated: Aug 10, 2023 - 11:32
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Ledama Olekina Approaches Viral Graduate Mercy Tarus With Job Offer
Mercy Tarus speaking during a baraza convened by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii. /TWITTER.ALINUR MOHAMED

Narok Senator, Ledama Olekina on Thursday, August 10 expressed interest in working with Mercy Tarus, a graduate of Kabarak University who drew nationwide praise over her hard-hitting speech to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, his deputy John Barorot, and Senator Jackson Mandago.

Tarus had joined several other students from Uasin Gishu County who expressed their frustrations at the county leadership over the Finland Education programme, with Tarus giving the county leaders a difficult time in her address during their meeting.

In a short statement, the Senator, who is an ardent supporter of Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, expressed admiration for Tarus' courage and revealed that he wanted to work with her.

Narok Senator, Ledama Olekina. /FACEBOOK.LEDAMA OLEKINA

"Mercy Tarus I would like you to work for me…speak your heart …the future belongs to candid youth! Let’s talk," he tweeted.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 9, Tarus expressed that her parents were very proud of her act of courage, especially since they are the ones who contributed money to her education.

“My dad told me he has a soldier in the house. My mom had not seen the video until Tuesday morning. She said I spoke for the youth and should continue,” the 24-year-old hairdresser remarked.

She added that the family took loans to pay nearly Ksh1 million to Uasin Gishu County to facilitate her studies abroad, but lamented that the county government had lied to her.

Tarus accordingly stated that she works in a salon during the week and sells porridge on weekends to make ends meet.

“This is like highway robbery in broad daylight and then they use government protection,” she said without fear of the consequences of her viral speech.

“There are two loans that she (mother) is paying for and she cannot be able to secure another loan."

Tarus added that she had expected the county government to refund the money when she went to the meeting which was convened by Governor Bii.

After her viral speech, she demanded the county leaders to refund their money, and implored President William Ruto to intervene in the matter so that the residents get justice before more consequences manifest.

Later in an interview on Citizen TV, Tarus called on the youth not to be silent and watch as things go wrong in their country. 

"I want to talk to the youth, do not be silent. Your time is now. You cannot say you are leaders of tomorrow while you are watching matters in your country get out of hand," she said. 

"Speak out. Speak your truth to power, they will listen."

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) meanwhile revealed that it was finalising its investigations into the controversial Uasin Gishu overseas study programme, though EACC North Rift Regional Manager, Charles Rasugu argued that the probe which started in March has been complex.

“We are not late, we have actually muscled our efforts and put together a team that is working day and night. The investigations also involve student fees which were paid to Canadian and Finnish universities. It is not easy to investigate the flow of these monies within a short period,” he said.

EACC offices at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. /FILE

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