Leaders mourn Baringo Senator William Cheptumo as a cool gentleman and selfless leader

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, 57, is dead.

Cheptumo died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi  confirmed.

The legislator died from an undisclosed illness with his family revealing that he has been sick.

Other reports indicate that even though he had been discharged, his condition worsened, and was taken back to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi described him a selfless leader who articulated the interests of the people of Baringo and Kenyans at large.

Kingi has said 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.

“I join the family of William Cheptumo, the people of Baringo County and Kenyans, in mourning a great leader. I pray that God grants us all grace and fortitude to bear this monumental loss,” Kingi said in his condolence message.

President William Ruto, in his message to the late senator’s family, said he was a progressive leader and a dedicated public servant.

“Senator William Cheptumo was a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service. He was vocal, hardworking, and a tireless champion for the transformation of Baringo. The Cheptumo family, friends, and the people of Baringo County are in our thoughts and prayers,” Ruto stated.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said Cheptumo was a dedicated and selfless leader whose commitment to public service and the people of Baringo was unwavering.

“Having had the honor of serving alongside him in the 11th and 12th Parliament, I witnessed firsthand his integrity, humility, and tireless efforts in championing justice, equality, and development for his constituents. His departure is a great loss not only to his family and the people of Baringo but also to the entire nation,” he said.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said: “My condolences to the family and friends of my colleague, Baringo Senator William Cheptumo. One of the cool heads in the Senate, Cheptumo was a gentleman and was always cordial. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo said Cheptumo was an astute legal professional with a wealth of experience in legal practice.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of the Senator for Baringo County. He was an astute legal professional with a wealth of experience in legal practice spanning over three decades as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as the people of Baringo County,” Odhiambo said in her condolence message,” she said.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah said the unwavering dedication to public service, exemplary leadership, and commitment to devolution to the people of Baringo by his late colleague will forever be remembered.

“On behalf of the people of Busia County, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Hon. William Kipkorir Cheptumo, Senator of Baringo County. His unwavering dedication to public service, exemplary leadership, and commitment to devolution and the people of Baringo will forever be remembered. During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Baringo County. May they find strength and comfort in the cherished memories of his impactful life and legacy. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Omtatah posted on his X account.

Kanu chairman and former Baringo senator Gideon Moi said the late Cheptumo was an honest, dependable and affable person and leader.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Baringo Senator Hon. William Cheptumo. Hon. Cheptumo was an honest, dependable and affable person and leader. As we pray that the Lord rests his soul in eternal peace, we wish the family grace and fortitude to bear this devastating loss. On behalf of the Moi family and KANU, we assure Cheptumo’s family of our support at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri described Cheptumo as a down to earth man who always sacrificed for sake of his people, full of valour while advancing the principles he believed in, focused, overflowing with compassion and committed to the cause.

“The Senate has been deprived of an asset and a great man to be precise. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. My prayers are with the family, may they find solace in the arms of the Lord. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.

Presidential Advisor on the Great Lakes Region and former Kericho Senator Charles Keter said Cheptumo was a dedicated public servant, known for his unwavering commitment to the people of Baringo and his tireless efforts to bring about positive transformation.

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama said the country has lost a focused and dedicated leader who was never shy about articulating issues affecting his constituents.

Cheptumo who was elected as Baringo senator in 2022 outstared former Baringo senator Gideon Moi who had served for two terms.

The late lawmaker began his political career in 2007 when he was elected a Member of Parliament for Baringo North and served for two terms before he transitioned to the upper house.

In the Senate, he chaired the standing committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.

Before getting into politics, Cheptumo served as a legal officer for the Central Bank of Kenya and the Industrial and Commercial Development Cooperation.

He was an alumnus of the University of Nairobi where he pursued a degree in Law and later a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law.

He was an advocate of peace and security in Baringo and the North Rift Valley region with specific interest in the fight against cattle rustling which has greatly affected the region as he lobbied to be declared a national disaster.