By John Majau
Diana Chepkemoi, who endured a year of mistreatment as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia before being rescued and returned to Kenya, finally breathed a sigh of relief after she was re-admitted to Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Ms Chepkemoi rejoins the university to begin her bachelor’s degree in education. She had originally enrolled in Food Science and Technology Management, which is no longer offered at the university.
Speaking moments after being received by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, together with lecturers and the students’ Union, Chepkemoi expressed her joy to be ‘alive again’ after her ordeal.
“Thank you for bringing me back to life, because at some point I felt I was gone,” she said.
She said her story should be a wake-up call to others who are going through similar challenges, urging well-wishers to come out and save lives.
Ms Chepkemoi, who hails from Bomet County, returned to Kenya on September 6.
She had deferred her studies at MUST, hoping to make money and pursue her degree in food science management and technology.
She said she was happy to return home alive.
Revelations of her mistreatment in the hands of her employer sparked outrage in Kenya, before the government stepped in to repatriate her.
She resumed her studies immediately under a work-study programme, with MUST offering free accommodation as other well-wishers, moved by her story, pledged support.
Mr Rogers Kipembe, a Meru politician seeking the County Assembly Speaker’s seat, said he will pay her fees until she completes her education.
“When I read her story, I was touched and committed to support her the moment she resumes her studies. I will pay her fees up to the level she wants to study,” he said.
He asked others who had made pledges or promises to ensure they honour them to facilitate Diana’s upkeep at the university.
Ms Chepkemoi said she had no money when she left Kenya and was hoping to make it in life in the Middle East country.
“I was surviving on very little … What I can say is that God always hears our prayers,” she said, adding: “I will now pursue a degree in education and have no words to express myself. I thank all of you for the goodwill you have shown and I will work hard to progress in my career.”
Ms Chepkemoi said she was picked by the varsity’s Vice Chancellor from her home in Chemalal-Kumulot in Bomet County on Monday.
They arrived in Meru on Tuesday and she began her registration immediately.
“I have just finished the enrolment process and I am so happy to be back to continue with my studies. I changed my course to Education because the other course is no longer offered here. I will begin my first class tomorrow,” she said.
The 24-year old will now officially begin her bachelor’s degree in Education; Kiswahili and History options.
Prof Odhiambo praised Ms Chepkemoi for her “bravery”, saying that despite her ordeal, she was an example to other young people who aspire to achieve their dreams.
“When one of us stumbles, we lift them up and make them strong. Diana is a symbol of resilience to her peers since she walked away from her motherland in search of greener pastures and a better life not only for her but also her siblings, displaying a high level of selflessness. We will be with her until she completes her studies,” said the VC.
Her fellow students also launched an endowment fund to which they will contribute money for Ms Chepkemoi’s upkeep.
Their target was to raise at least Ksh500,000 by November, according to Hanington Oguk, president of the students organization.
“We are contributing as little as Ksh20 and we appeal to other well-wishers to chip in. We also want to assist other students who are in the same situation as Diana,” Mr Oguk said.
