An emotional scene unfolded in Bomet after a young orphan, Rivan Ray, popularly known as Dudu, completed a long walk from Eldoret to Bomet to raise funds to build a house for himself and his sister.
Overcome with emotion, Dudu broke down in tears upon arrival. I am even crying writing this after watching the video (Watch here).
The cheers from residents could not mask the painful reality behind the journey — he and his sister are orphans, abandoned and without support from extended family members.
What was meant to celebrate endurance and resilience turned into a heartbreaking reminder of their struggle. While many would expect to be welcomed home by parents with celebration and comfort, Dudu returned to no mother, no father, and no close relatives standing beside him.
Sources from Mweno A, Tenwek in Bomet Central said the siblings have been surviving on their own. The walk from Eldoret was not staged for attention but aimed at raising funds to construct a modest house they can finally call home.
Residents turned out in large numbers to receive him, forming a sea of supporters along the streets of Bomet town. Notably, a significant portion of the crowd consisted of women who came out in solidarity, ensuring he did not walk the final stretch alone.
However, the absence of local leaders at the reception sparked criticism among some residents. Several attendees questioned why elected officials from Bomet Central did not attend or publicly support the initiative.
Despite the leadership no-show, the community’s presence sent a strong message — that while blood relatives may have been missing, the people of Bomet showed up.
Dudu’s journey may have ended physically, but the call for support to help the siblings secure stable shelter continues.
