Ruto: Cheptumo played key role in 2007 peace talks

President William Ruto has eulogised late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo as a leader who showed up for his country, whenever he was needed to do so.

Speaking at his funeral in the Arap Moi Secondary School grounds in Bartabwa, Baringo County, Ruto, who described him as a hero, said that Cheptumo played a great part in resolving the 2007 post-election crisis that had hit the country.

“We were members of ODM, including Musalia Mudavadi (Prime Cabinet Secretary) here and we were asked on behalf of our party then to negotiate and I want to confirm that Cheptumo was a great resource in those negotiations that brought peace to our country. I have worked with him as colleagues in Parliament, as Deputy President and as President, though briefly,” he said.

The President said Cheptumo was a man who was passionate about leadership and one who loved his constituents.

Ruto went on to say that the departed leader also knew what he wanted and never lost focus from looking after his constituents.

“Cheptumo was a great leader and he loved his people. He was very passionate about leadership. I say so having been around for a while in leadership and I come across many who are reluctant leaders, but I can say for Cheptumo, he was passionate, knew what he wanted and always looked out for people who elected him. When national duty called he stood up and was available,” he said.

Cheptumo died February 15, 2025, at the age of 57 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

He was a lawyer by profession and had served as a Member of Parliament for Baringo North in the area between 2008 and 2013.

The UDA party senator was elected to represent Baringo County in the Senate of Kenya in the 2022 General election.

He ousted Kanu party chairman Gideon Moi in the 2022 race. 

He was the Chairperson of the Senate National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations Committee.

The Senator is the proprietor of Cheptumo and Company Advocates law firm.

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