How Last-Minute Encounter With Ruto Helped Woman Raise Sh16.7 Million in the US

Veronicah Richards had the rare opportunity to converse with President William Ruto and promote her charitable objectives during the latter's visit to the US.  

At that time, Richard was seeking to raise awareness of domestic violence experienced by Kenyan women and children. When Richards heard from her passport officer that President Ruto would be attending a Townhall meeting with Kenyans living in America, she didn't hesitate to seize the opportunity. She hurried to the place and when granted the chance to speak with the Head of State, she presented her ambitious plan of establishing a shelter for victims of gender-based violence in Kenya through her Imani Rescue Center. 

"Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity. I am here to speak up for women, especially women going through domestic violence. They have no way to even call for help. No emergency number; nothing. Please consider us," she said. 

In response, Ruto promised to lend a hand with the mission. He then linked her with a Kenyan Cabinet Secretary who could assist in setting up the centre. Richards had embarked on a drive to raise funds for this undertaking and has since raised Ksh16.7 million (USD120,000) out of her target amount of Ksh22 million designated to uplifting Kenyan women. 

On June 3, Richards stated that her encounter with the Head of State had a positive effect on her project. She mentions that she was in Washington DC renewing her passport in December 2022 when she heard of Ruto's interactions with Kenyans in the US. The 39-year-old recalls living in an area where gender violence was not unusual and the lack of a working emergency number contributed to the number of incidents.

Richards of the Imani Rescue Center is planning to create the first female-focused shelter in Kimana, Kajiado County.