A dedicated, selfless leader: Kenya mourns Baringo Senator William Cheptumo
His passing has been described as a great loss to the country, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, colleagues, and Kenyans who remembered him as a dedicated public servant.
Leaders and Kenyans at large have expressed deep sorrow following the death of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away on Saturday night at Nairobi Hospital after a short illness.
His passing has been described as a great loss to the country, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, colleagues, and Kenyans who remembered him as a dedicated public servant.
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.
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.
On a personal level, Murkomen said he had lost a mentor. “I have lost a leader, an advisor, and a mentor who held my hand in politics and public service. We have lost a gallant son of our nation. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Baringo during this time of profound grief,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the senator’s death, describing him as a committed and selfless leader. “Senator Cheptumo was 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.”
He added that the Senate had lost a strong advocate of devolution who used every opportunity to advance its cause.
“I join his family, the people of Baringo County, and Kenyans in mourning a great leader and pray that God grants us all grace and fortitude to bear this monumental loss,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Cheptumo as a compassionate and selfless leader.
“With deep sorrow, the Parliamentary Service Commission joins the people of Baringo County and the entire nation in mourning the loss of Senator Cheptumo, a leader, a mentor, and a friend to many. Senator Cheptumo was more than a legislator; he was a man of the people, compassionate, selfless, and deeply devoted to the well-being of those he served,” Wetang’ula said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who had worked closely with Cheptumo in the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, expressed devastation at his passing.
“I am devastated to learn about the demise of my colleague brother Senator Cheptumo of Baringo County and also Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations. We served together in the last Parliament when he was a Member of National Assembly of Baringo North Constituency and my counterpart chair in the National Assembly in the Committee of Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights,” he said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna described Cheptumo as a calm and respectable colleague in the Senate.
“One of the cool heads in the Senate, Cheptumo was a gentleman and was always cordial. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah echoed these sentiments, saying Cheptumo’s leadership and dedication to devolution would be remembered.
“His unwavering dedication to public service, exemplary leadership, and commitment to devolution and the people of Baringo will forever be remembered,” Omtatah said.
He added that the senator’s contributions would leave a lasting legacy.
KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi, whom Cheptumo defeated in the 2022 senatorial race, also expressed his condolences.
Cheptumo, who ran under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, secured victory in the senatorial race by defeating incumbent Gideon Moi. He garnered 141,777 votes, while Moi, who was seeking re-election, received 71,408.
“Cheptumo was an honest, dependable, and affable person and leader. As we pray that the Lord rests his soul in eternal peace, we wish the family grace and fortitude to bear this devastating loss,” Moi said.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also mourned Cheptumo, recognising his contributions to the legal profession before he joined politics.
“The late senator was an astute legal professional with a wealth of experience in legal practice spanning over three decades as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as the people of Baringo County. May he rest in peace,” LSK President Faith Odhiambo said.
Beyond political circles, Kenyans also took to social media to express their grief.
An X user identified as John Gatu wrote, “I learnt about the demise of Cheptumo with profound shock and disbelief. His demise marks the end of a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed the interests of his people. Senator Cheptumo was a respected leader.”
Cheptumo had a distinguished career in law and governance before joining politics. He studied law at the University of Nairobi and later worked as a legal officer at the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation and the Central Bank of Kenya.
He founded Cheptumo and Company Advocates before entering politics in 2008.
His death has left a significant void, with leaders and citizens mourning the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to public service.
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