Leaders mourn Baringo Senator William Cheptumo

Leaders across the country have mourned Baringo Senator William Cheptumo following his death on Sunday at Nairobi Hospital.

Cheptumo had been ailing for a while from undisclosed illness.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula said conveyed condolences on behalf of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to the people of Baringo county and the entire nation, describing the late legislator as “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. He carried the dreams and hopes of his people with dignity and unwavering commitment, always leading with love, fairness and wisdom,” the speaker said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted that it was with deep sorrow that he received the news of the passing of the Baringo senator.

Mudavadi described Cheptumo as a dedicated and longstanding legislator, whose impact on Kenya’s legislative landscape will be remembered.

“His unwavering commitment to advancing the development agenda for the people he represented has left an indelible mark,” he said.

Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi said it was with profound shock and grief that he learnt of the untimely demise of Cheptumo.

Kingi said the senator 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.

“The 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,” he said.

“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. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said he has lost a leader, an adviser and a mentor who held his hand in politics and public service.

"Throughout his career, he was a true representative of the people. 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," he said.

Murkomen said Cheptumo was a distinguished leader whose contribution to the country was immense.

He said his credentials as an astute politician and servant leader saw him get elected three times; as Baringo North MP twice, and Senator of Baringo in the last election.

"As a legislator, he served as an Assistant Minister, Chair of the Justice and Legal Affairs committee in the National Assembly, and Chair of the National Security committee in the Senate.

"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 contribution towards the fight against cattle rustling," Murkomen said.

"We have lost a gallant son of our nation. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of Baringo county during this time of profound grief."

Environment and Climate Change CS Aden Duale described Cheptumo as 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. His unwavering commitment to justice, integrity and the well-being of his people defined his leadership," he said.

"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."

The UDA party senator was elected to represent Baringo county in the Senate in the 2022 general election.

He ousted Kanu party chairman Gideon Moi in the contest.

Before being elected senator, Cheptumo served as MP for Baringo North between 2008 and 2022.

He previously worked as a legal officer for the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and Industrial and Commercial Development Cooperation.