When the President asked Kenyans to plant trees across the country, Tabitha Chumba Cherotich showed up early morning on May 10, 2024; she was armed with two indigenous trees.
The Grade 1 pupil was among villagers who turned up for the tree planting exercise at Lelboinet Primary school in Siongiroi, Bomet County.
The exercise was led by The office of Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
It was during the moment when Chumba was photographed innocently planting a tree and hours later her images went viral touching the hearts of many Kenyans.
The photos were taken by award winning photographer Pius Cheruiyot who had accompanied the government official.
“I just noticed the passion and innocence in her eyes as she planted the trees, I could tell her genuinity as I clicked the camera,” Cheruiyot told Nairobi Journal.
He added, “She was among Millions of Kenyans who participated in the National Tree Growing day by doing re-afforestation of Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County,”
Since May 10, Chumba’s photos have warmed the hearts of Kenyans on various platforms and some people and championing that the little girl be made Tree Planting Ambassador.
Among them is famous philanthropist Ndung’u Nyoro who described Chumba as a girl who speaks everything about a hopeful future when we plant trees.
“I am of the opinion that her face be adopted as the official brand ambassador on matters of tree planting, both by the government and all agencies within the environment space,” Nyoro posted.
It is reported that Chumba is a daughter of a single parent who was evicted from the mau forest two years ago.
Presently, the girl lives with her grandmother in Siongiroi as her mother looks for vibarua in Narok.
