President Ruto leads Kenyans in mourning former cabinet minister John Koech
President described him as a diligent leader who placed development at the heart of his service.
Kenya is mourning the loss of former Cabinet Minister John Koech, a towering figure in politics and education, who died on Tuesday at a Nairobi hospital after a long illness.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with national leaders, former colleagues and citizens paying tribute to his legacy in public service and education reform.
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President William Ruto led the nation in mourning Koech, describing him as a diligent leader who placed development at the heart of his service.
“Mheshimiwa John Koech was a hardworking leader who served the people of Chepalungu with dedication. He was focused, progressive and development-conscious. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this sad moment. Rest In Peace,” Ruto said in a statement.
Koech, who served as the Chepalungu Member of Parliament from 1979 to 1990 and again from 2003 to 2007, was appointed Minister for East African Regional Cooperation during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration between 2006 and 2007.
He is remembered not only for his contribution to regional diplomacy but also for his deep-rooted passion for education.
Saddened to learn of the passing of Hon. John Koech, a dedicated leader who served Chepalungu Constituency and Kenya with unwavering commitment.
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) April 8, 2025
As a former Minister of the East African Community and the longest-serving MP for Chepalungu, his legacy of integrity and service will…
"Deep shadow"
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Koech’s passing had “cast yet another deep shadow over the nation,” hailing him as a statesman whose work transcended his time in office.
“My thoughts remain with his family, the people of Bomet County, and all who drew strength, wisdom, and inspiration from his leadership. Kenya has lost a statesman whose legacy endures far beyond his years in public service,” Wetang’ula said.
“I had the honour of serving alongside Hon. Koech during the transformative era of President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. In him, I witnessed a man of rare political clarity—principled, astute, and unwavering in his pursuit of national progress,” he added.
Wetang’ula praised Koech’s role as chair of the 1999 Commission of Inquiry into Kenya’s Education System, which produced the influential ‘Koech Report.’
“Few will forget his towering influence in the education sector… That work remains a cornerstone of educational discourse in our country. Ambassador Koech was a champion of access, equity, and excellence in education, particularly in the former Kericho and Bomet districts, where he opened doors for countless young minds,” he said.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE PASSING OF HON AMB. JOHN KOECH
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) April 8, 2025
Hon Amb. John Koech was an embodiment of servant leadership and firm principles.
Genuinely concerned with the economic predicament of his constituents, he rallied them to pool resources to start viable enterprises. He… pic.twitter.com/4y6U3jT9yJ
Presidential Advisor on Great Lakes Region Affairs, Charles Keter, also eulogised Koech as a leader whose contributions left an indelible mark.
“He was a dedicated public servant whose leadership and commitment to the people of Chepalungu and to the nation as a whole left a lasting legacy. His contribution to regional integration and diplomacy during his tenure as Minister was marked by vision, humility, and statesmanship,” Keter said.
On social media, Kenyans from all walks of life joined the nation in honouring Koech’s contributions.
X user Kipkirui Isaac described him as “a towering figure known for his dedication to education, grassroots empowerment, and principled leadership.”
“The passing of former Chepalungu MP and Cabinet Minister John Koech marks the end of an era for Bomet County and Kenyan politics at large,” he wrote.
“Koech’s leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to development, particularly in education. A former teacher and education officer, he leveraged his background to champion schools like Moi Siongiroi Girls Secondary School and advocated for electrification projects in Chepalungu.”
He also recalled Koech’s firm stance against dependency politics.
“His belief in self-reliance over handouts resonated deeply, as he often criticised the culture of dependency, urging his constituents to embrace sustainable empowerment. This vision cemented his legacy as a leader who prioritised long-term progress over short-term political gains,” he said.
Bii Kipkorir, another X user, shared a personal connection to Koech’s leadership.
“Pole Mzee. I have known of his excellent leadership through my late dad. He encouraged parents to educate their children. This is the reason behind great brains in science in Chepalungu Constituency,” he said.
Koech is remembered as a leader who carried the weight of leadership with dignity, a reformist in education, and a symbol of hope for communities he served with passion.
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