Muripo counts his lucky stars

Tinashe Kusema

SHIHAN Samson Muripo considers himself one lucky man.

He is one of the few who miraculously escaped the wrath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical storm to hit Southern Africa, leaving a trail of destruction in eastern parts of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

Chimanimani, where Muripo spent the first 17 years of his life and is home to his immediate family members, was one of the most affected areas in Zimbabwe.

The karate king who has a house in Chimanimani, opened up on his experiences with the disaster, which left over 500 people dead and thousands of families displaced in the three countries.

“I was born and raised in Rusito Valley; it is where I spent the first 17 years of my life, before I moved to Harare,” said the 41-year-old. Rusito is located some 40 km south of Chimanimani and happens to be one of the worst affected areas.

“Now, it is nothing like I remember as everything was destroyed by the rains and floods from crops, livestock and infrastructure right up to human life,” said Muripo.

“I happen to be one of the lucky few as my house, which I built there, was spared and most of my immediate family members are safe too.

“I was always in touch with my family during and after the storm and they told me of the many people that got swept away.

“Most people saw the rains coming, but thought it would pass, but by the time they realised the truth it was too late.

“Men, women and children got swept away when the storm really hit my village and it’s painful.”

The Kyokushin master has refused to apportion blame on anyone, citing the cyclone was, in the truest form of the word, a natural disaster. Muripo implored those that were affected by the disaster to seek comfort in God.

“This cyclone was a natural disaster that no one prepared for,” he said. “People underestimated the rains and any efforts to move people then would have been met with resistance.

“The best we can do now is to find whatever solace we can from the word, specifically Isaiah 24, verse 24.

“We need to love Him in good times and in bad times; and turn to His word for comfort in times like these. It’s a difficult time yes but God remains God,” a spiritual Muripo said.