Transport CS Davis Chirchir’s father Edwin Koech has died.Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has sent a message of condolence to Chirchir following the death of his father, Koech.

In a statement, Cheruiyot said his thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time, describing the late Koech as a strong guiding pillar not only to his family but also to many others who benefited from his mentorship.

In his message, Cheruiyot noted that Mzee Koech played a fatherly role to countless individuals, offering guidance and support that extended beyond his immediate and extended family.

Cheruiyot praised the values Koech espoused and the lessons he imparted, saying they will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He also highlighted Koech’s foresight and ability to encourage others to pursue ambitions beyond perceived limits.

The Majority Leader said the late patriarch’s influence will be remembered for generations, as those he mentored carry forward his legacy of leadership, vision and service to the community.

“My thoughts and prayers to the family of Davis Chirchir ( CS, Roads and Transport) following the loss of his father Edwin Koech. Mzee Koech stood as strong guiding pillar and played a father figure to countless people – providing invaluable mentorship beyond his immediate and extended family. We celebrate the values he espoused, lessons he imparted and unparalleled foresight in inspiring those around and under him to dare the unimaginable,” Cheruiyot said.

“My deepest condolences to Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on the passing of your dear father, Edwin Koech. May you and your family be upheld with grace, strength and peace as you navigate this profound loss,” Interior PS Raymond Omollo said-STAR.

For the past four months, a widowed mother of three has lived at Tenwek Hospital to watch over her 16-year-old son, who is admitted.

With nowhere else to stay, she sleeps in a small guest house across the road from the hospital so she can quickly reach her son whenever doctors call.

But even that modest shelter has become a burden as the bill has grown beyond what she can pay, added to the KSh 3 million hospital bill.

At the Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre in Bomet County, families arrive every day carrying heavy hopes and difficult diagnoses.

Among them is Monica, a widowed mother of three whose quiet struggle has moved those who have crossed her path in the hospital corridors.

Maureen Simba, who also has a patient at the facility, told TUKO.co.ke that Monica’s 16-year-old son has been admitted to the renowned heart centre for nearly four months.

The mother is waiting for a life-saving heart operation that could give him a chance at a normal future, but the surgery comes at a cost the family cannot afford: KSh 3 million.

A widow raising three children, Monica has had to make painful choices. When her son was admitted to Tenwek, she left her two younger children in the care of their aunts so she could remain close to the hospital.

For the past four months, she has barely left the hospital grounds, hoping and praying that help would come from somewhere.

With nowhere else to stay, she sleeps in a small guest house across the road from the hospital so she can quickly reach her son whenever doctors call.

But even that modest shelter has become a burden. The room costs KSh 800 per day, excluding food, and after months of waiting for help, the bill has grown into arrears that she cannot clear.

Despite the hardship, Monica continues to stay by her son’s side, determined not to abandon him during the most frightening chapter of his young life.

The teenage boy’s condition requires urgent surgery, yet without the KSh 3 million needed for the procedure, the operation remains out of reach.

Those who have encountered Monica say her resilience is striking, but they also believe she should not have to face such a battle alone. “She has been here for months without giving up,” said one well-wisher. “But she needs help. No mother should have to carry this alone.”

Monica is appealing to the public to support her family in any way possible, whether towards the medical costs, accommodation, or daily survival while they remain at the hospital.

Anyone willing to assist can reach Monica directly on 0790 400 189. While many families battle medical bills, Monica’s story has stood out to fellow patients and relatives.

Maureen admitted that their perspective changed when they heard her story. “We thought our case was the worst until we met Monica,” she said. “We realised that what she is going through is far heavier.”

For Monica, every call, message, or gesture of support could bring her son one step closer to the surgery that may save his life-TUKO.