Heartfelt tributes as public mourn Cheptumo for his selfless leadership

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo,57, who passed away on Sunday in Nairobi while undergoing treatment has been hailed as a hardworking leader who put the interests of the country and his people first.

The late Cheptumo, who was serving his fourth term in Parliament, was the Chairperson of the Senate National Security, Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee for the past two years, where members said he was dedicated to his duty.

President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing Cheptumo as a progressive leader who was committed to public service.

“He was a vocal, hard-working, and tireless champion for the transformation of Baringo. The Cheptumo family, friends, and the people of Baringo County are in our thoughts and prayers,” stated President Ruto.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Cheptumo would be remembered as a dignified leader who chose his words carefully in both public and private conversations. He noted that Cheptumo exemplified the finest attributes expected of a cultured lawyer and public servant.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said Cheptumo 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,” stated Kingi.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula described Cheptumo as a hardworking leader, a testament to the trust Baringo residents placed in him by electing him multiple times as their representative in Parliament. He urged other leaders to emulate him.

“On behalf of the National Assembly and the Parliamentary Service Commission, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of our later brother, the people of Baringo County and the nation at large for the loss of Senator Cheptumo,” said Wetangula.

Kanu party National Chairperson Gideon Moi extended his condolences to Cheptumo’s family.

Gideon said Cheptumo was an honest, dependable, and affable 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,” stated Gideon.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi described Cheptumo as a great friend and leader.

“I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and the resilient community of Baringo during this time of immense loss,” stated Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok.

Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei said Cheptumo was a pillar of strength and a leader who always put the interests of his people first.

"His contributions to our legislative processes and the tireless efforts in championing the rights of Kenyans will forever be remembered," Sigei stated.

The Baringo Parliamentary Group said the demise of Cheptumo is a great loss to his family, the people of Baringo, and the nation at large.

Born in 1968, Cheptumo attended Maregut Primary School, where he sat for his Certificate of Primary Education in 1975. He joined Bartolimo Secondary School, where he did his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 1985.

In 1986 he joined Kabarnet High School, where he sat for his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education in 1987.

He joined the University of Nairobi in 1988, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in law and graduated in 1991. In 1992 he joined the Kenya School of Law.

Cheptumo was elected as MP of the Baringo North constituency in 2007. He also served as Assistant Minister of Justice, National Cohesion & Constitutional Affairs between 2008 and 2013.

He served for three terms as MP of Baringo North up to the year 2022, when he was elected the Baringo Senator on a United Democratic Alliance ticket.

He also served as the legal officer for the Central Bank of Kenya for three years between 1995 and 1998.

Between 1993 and 1995, Cheptumo served as the legal officer for the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation.

Between 2013 and 2017, he served in various committees, including the Committee on Delegated Legislation, where he served as the chairperson; the Departmental Committee on Justice & Legal Affairs (member); the House Business Committee (member); and the Committee on Pensions (member). He also chaired the Departmental Committee on Justice & Legal Affairs.

He will be remembered for his push to end insecurity in the region ravaged by banditry.

In 2024, while attending a burial in Chemoe, Cheptumo adopted a child whose parents were killed by bandits. A video of Cheptumo praying for the girl went viral, where he promised the locals he would take care of the orphaned girl.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said Cheptumo, throughout his career, was a true representative of the people.

“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 contributions towards the fight against cattle rustling,” Murkomen stated.

On February 9, during a leader’s summit, Baringo Nominated MP Bishop Jackson Kosgei said Cheptumo was out of the hospital and is recuperating at home.

Kosgei and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek urged the people and leaders to continue praying for the senator’s full and speedy recovery so he may resume his duty of serving and representing the people.

National Assembly Minority Whip Milly Odhiambo described Cheptumo as a very quiet and dedicated Member of Parliament whom they together in the National Assembly between 2008 and 2022 and at one point served as an Assistant Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

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

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said that Cheptumo was an exemplary leader who served with honour and remained deeply engaged with his people with his demise being a great loss to Baringo and the nation as a whole.