The country is mourning following the death of a distinguished senator William Cheptumo who happened to be assistant minister between 2008-20213
A cloud of mourning has engulfed Kenya after losing one of her distinguished legislator and a law career Senator from Baringo County who served as Assistant Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs during former President Mwai Kibaki
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who was serving in his first term as senator died while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital, Senator Speaker Amason Kingi announced on Sunday 16th Morning.
Kingi announced the Senator’s demise on Sunday, describing him as a dedicated leader, who took up his legislative responsibilities with unmatched zeal and selflessly articulated the interests of the people of Baringo and Kenyans at large
Senate of Kenya has lost a leader who firmly believed in Devolution and used every opportunity to advance its cause and the welfare of Kenyans,” Kingi said.
President William Ruto has mourned Cheptumo as a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service
“He was vocal, hardworking and a tireless champion for the transformation of Baringo. The Cheptumo family, friends and the people of Baringo County are in our thoughts and prayers,” said Ruto.
Cheptumo was serving his first term in office after trouncing KANU’s Gideon Moi in the 2022 General Elections.
President William Ruto described Cheptumo as a progressive leader committed to public service.
“He was vocal, hardworking, and a tireless champion for the transformation of Baringo. The Cheptumo family, friends, and the people of Baringo County are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Mheshimiwa,” Ruto said.
Environment CS Aden Duale, who worked with Cheptumo in Parliament, recalled their long-standing political relationship.
“A dedicated leader, a true patriot, and a steadfast servant of the people. Having walked the political journey alongside him since 2007, I have known him as a colleague, a friend, and a brother in service,” he said.
Duale described Cheptumo as a leader who always upheld integrity and fought for justice.
“His unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the well-being of his people defined his leadership. In this moment of grief, we pray for his family, friends, and the people of Baringo. May they find strength in the legacy he leaves behind, and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also paid tribute, highlighting Cheptumo’s long political career and dedication to serving Kenyans.
“Senator Cheptumo was a distinguished leader whose contribution to our country was immense. An astute politician and servant leader, he was elected three times to represent Baringo North in the National Assembly before he was elected the Senator of Baringo in the last election,” Murkomen said.
He noted that as a legislator, Cheptumo held significant roles, including as Assistant Minister, Chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee in the National Assembly, and Chair of the National Security Committee in the Senate.
Murkomen praised Cheptumo’s role in legal and institutional reforms, recalling that he had played a pivotal part in shaping policies that Kenya benefits from today.
“As the Chair of Justice and Legal Affairs in Parliament at a pivotal moment in our country, he was deeply involved in legal and institutional reforms, some of which we enjoy today. As Baringo Senator and Chair of the Security Committee, Sen. Cheptumo was deeply immersed in the search for peace and cohesion in our country and made immense contributions towards the fight against cattle rustling,” he said.