Baringo Senator, William Cheptumo, who ended Moi's political dynasty dies
Cheptumo, who ran under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, secured victory in the senatorial race by defeating incumbent Gideon Moi.
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo is dead, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has confirmed.
Cheptumo previously served as Baringo North Member of Parliament for 14 years (2008–2022) before being elected senator in a 2022 election.
President William Ruto eulogised Senator 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. Rest In Peace, Mheshimiwa," he said.
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. The Service Party (TSP) candidate, Felix Chelaite, came third with 3,261 votes.
Senator William Cheptumo was a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 16, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/gAnk7nw1X9
Following his win, Cheptumo expressed gratitude to his constituents, pledging to serve them diligently. He made his remarks after receiving his election certificate from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) county returning officer, John Mwangi, at the Kenya School of Government in Baringo.
Moi, the son of the late former President Daniel arap Moi, did not attend the ceremony and did not publicly concede defeat.
His loss marked the end of his family's long-standing political dominance in the region. Some residents viewed the outcome as a shift in leadership dynamics, with one remarking that it signalled a new era for Baringo.
Cheptumo vowed to work with other elected leaders to address insecurity in the county, particularly issues related to banditry and cattle rustling, which have plagued the region for years.
The senator had an extensive career in law and governance. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi between 1988 and 1991. His earlier education included studies at Kabarnet High School, Bartolimo Secondary School, and Maregut Primary School.
Before venturing into politics, he held various legal positions. He served as a legal officer at the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (1993–1995) and later at the Central Bank of Kenya (1995–1998). He then founded Cheptumo and Company Advocates, which he ran from 1998 to 2007.
In government, he also worked as an executive in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs between 2008 and 2013.
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