She added that Cheptumo’s influence extended far beyond his political career, stating that he was an exceptional leader and a provider at home.
“He was always available for our family.”
William Cheptumo's wife during the funeral service at AIC Milimani in Nairobi on February 27, 2025/HANDOUT The late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo's widow, Ann, has fondly eulogised her late husband as a devoted mentor and a great friend.In her tribute during the funeral service held Thursday at the AIC Milimani in Nairobi, Ann described how Cheptumo was always available for the family.
"I have lost a friend, mentor, comforter, reconciler, adviser and even a father because he paid my school fees when I went to the university," she said.
She added that Cheptumo’s influence extended far beyond his political career, stating that he was an exceptional leader and a provider at home.
“He was always available for our family.”
She shared that her husband’s commitment to family was evident in his encouragement for her to visit her elderly mother, who she said remains the only surviving parent.
And, while reflecting on their journey, Ann revealed that she first met him in 1994 while working in an office in Nairobi.
“Upon introduction, he handed me a business card which I kept without much thought, but he kept coming to my office,” she explained.
With time, she said, their relationship blossomed until 1995 when they officially got married.
Throughout their life together, Ann said her husband was not only a leader but also a loving father to their children which she said set a standard for them to follow.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are among a host of leaders who attended the service.
Cheptumo passed away on February 15 at the age of 57 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
He is set to be laid to rest on March 1 at his Bartabwa home in Baringo.
Before his election in the 2022 polls, Cheptumo had served as a Member of Parliament for Baringo North Constituency for 14 years from 2008-22.
He trounced former Senator Gideon Moi to clinch the seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket, garnering 141,777 votes, against Moi's 71,408 votes.
Cheptumo was a holder of a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, which he obtained between 1988 and 1991.
He pursued a postgraduate diploma in law at the Kenya School of Law.
He was an alumnus of Kabarnet High School, Bartolimo Secondary School and Maregut Primary School.
His primary and secondary school education was between 1975 and 1987.
