Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto has paid a heartfelt tribute to his daughter, Mitchelle Jelimo, following her death in a grisly road accident on Friday, April 3, 2026.
In his tribute during a memorial service held at CITAM Chirch in Nyali, Mombasa on Tuesday, Captain Ruto described the pain of losing a child as overwhelming and difficult to understand.
“Mitchelle, my heart struggles to understand this loss. As your father, I ask why you and not me?” he said.
The KPA chief reflected on the emotional toll of the tragedy while drawing strength from his Christian faith. He cited scripture as a source of comfort during the period of mourning.
“Yet I hold unto God’s promise, the Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalms 34:18,” he added.
Captain Ruto’s message painted a picture of a close father-daughter bond, as he remembered Mitchelle for her qualities and the impact she had on his life.
He said her memory would continue to shape his journey despite her physical absence.
“Though you are no longer with us physically, your spirit lives on every memory, lesson and moment of love you gave us,” he said.
He further described how her legacy would remain a guiding force, noting that her personality and values would stay with him in the years ahead.
“You will forever remain in my thoughts, heart and soul. Your laughter, courage and love will guide me for the rest of the days,” he stated.“Rest well my beautiful girl. Until we meet again.”
Ruto was involved in a tragic road accident on the evening of April 3, 2026, while travelling with his family.
In a statement issued by the Kenya Ports Authority on April 4, regrettably, Ruto’s daughter lost her life in the accident.
"We are deeply saddened to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Capt. William K. Ruto was involved in a tragic road accident yesterday evening while travelling with his family," the statement said.
"Regrettably, his daughter did not survive the accident."