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Former State House Comptroller Lawrence Lenayapa dies in Nairobi

Former State House Comptroller and ambassador to the Netherlands, who died in Nairobi on February 29, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Issa Hussein | 29 Feb 2024

In his condolence message, President William Ruto eulogised Lenayapa as a dedicated civil servant.

Lawrence Lenayapa, Kenya's former State House comptroller and ambassador to the Netherlands, died in Nairobi on Thursday following a short illness, his family said.

The family did not give details of what killed the 59-year-old.

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Lenayapa, who hailed from Kargi in Marsabit County, served in the provincial administration as a district commissioner before he was appointed a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.

He was later appointed State House Comptroller and then the envoy to the Netherlands by President Uhuru Kenyatta, a position he held until his death.

In his condolence message, President William Ruto eulogised Lenayapa as a dedicated civil servant.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Lawrence Lenayapa who has passed away. The country has lost a dedicated public servant. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their loved ones at this time. Rest In Peace, Lawrence," he wrote on X.

Marsabit County Public Service Board chairperson Ambrose Hargura, Lenaya's nephew, said he was shocked to learn of his death.

"Lenayapa will be remembered not just for his contribution to the nation but also for his big heart, unmatched generosity, and love for the lowly in the community," he said.

"He mentored and supported many young professionals and has been a pillar to many. His helping hand, contagious smile, and will to help knew no borders."

Marsabit Governor Mohammud Ali noted Lenayapa’s "exemplary service" as a long-serving district commissioner, principal secretary, State House comptroller, Kenya’s permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and ambassador to the Netherlands.

These roles, he said, "reflect a lifetime of service and dedication to his country.".

"His love for his people, his charisma, the joyful and fine soul he has been, and his humour will remain forever etched in our minds. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace and accord his loved ones the fortitude to bear this grievous loss," he added.

Kello Harsama, the principal secretary in the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, described Lenayapa as a dedicated public servant.

Former finance minister and former Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani also prayed for solace for Lenayapa's friends and family.

My condolences to the family of Amb Lawrence Lenayapa following his passing on this morning. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace and give solace to the family. pic.twitter.com/RG1dyUE5Fk
— Amb. Ukur Yatani, EGH 🇰🇪 (@BaloziYatani) February 29, 2024