•Leaders Pay Tribute to a Respected Politician Who Championed Peace and Unity
Kenyan leaders from across the political spectrum have paid glowing tributes to the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, eulogizing him as a peacemaker, patriot, and dedicated public servant.
Thousands of mourners, including top national leaders, gathered at Arap Moi Secondary School in Bartabwa, Baringo North, to bid farewell to a man whose political career spanned nearly two decades.
Before his election to the Senate, Cheptumo served three consecutive terms as Baringo North Member of Parliament (MP), earning a reputation for humility, integrity, and a deep commitment to peace.
The Executive and Legislature were well represented, with President William Ruto, both Speakers of Parliament, and several Cabinet Secretaries in attendance.
The leaders called on Kenyans to emulate Cheptumo’s leadership style, which was characterized by diplomacy, inclusivity, and a non-confrontational approach to politics.
President Ruto: Cheptumo Was a Peacemaker and Devoted Public Servant
President Dr. William Ruto described the late senator as a staunch Christian and a patriot who played a crucial role in the restoration of peace in Kerio Valley, an area historically plagued by banditry and insecurity.
He credited Cheptumo with helping to reduce cases of bandit attacks by 70 percent, owing to his tireless efforts in securing the region.
“He was a peacemaker and was a great resource during the 2007 negotiations that led to the Grand Coalition Government after the post-election violence,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State further emphasized that Cheptumo’s four consecutive electoral victories were a testament to his honesty, respectability, and service to the people.
He lauded the late senator’s commitment to improving security in the region, recalling that one of his first acts in the Senate was to push for the deployment of 2,000 police officers and 3,000 Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers to restore order.
Musalia Mudavadi: Cheptumo ‘An Epitome of Humility‘
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi praised Cheptumo as a symbol of humility and servant leadership, noting that Baringo had produced great leaders like General Daudi Tonje and the late senator.
“Baringo was lucky to have a leader like Cheptumo, who embodied selflessness and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Mudavadi said.
Parliamentary Speakers Honor Cheptumo’s Legacy
Both the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, and Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, paid tribute to Cheptumo’s integrity and discipline in Parliament.
Wetangula noted that in Cheptumo’s 15 years as an MP, he was never once reprimanded for misconduct.
“The parliamentary records have no record of Cheptumo ever being brought to order. He was a disciplined, respectful, and focused leader who always prioritized the people,” Wetangula remarked.
Senate Speaker Kingi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Kenya had lost a great statesman and peace ambassador.
Call for Political and Economic Inclusivity
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, representing the opposition, alongside ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, acknowledged Cheptumo’s contributions to his electorate and called for urgent measures to fill the leadership void left by his passing.
Olekina urged a speedy constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to facilitate a fair and transparent by-election.
He also criticized the selective approach to national development, where projects are announced only during presidential visits, advocating instead for a balanced development strategy across all 47 counties.
“We must utilize our time in leadership wisely because life is short. Let us work for the people who entrusted us with their votes,” Olekina urged.
Majority Leaders Laud Cheptumo’s Work Ethic
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah described Cheptumo as humble, polite, and dedicated to service.
They commended his ability to work across political divides and urged leaders to follow President Ruto’s example of reaching out to political opponents for the sake of national stability.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap further called for the NADCO report to be tabled in Parliament, arguing that formalizing political coalitions would strengthen governance and unity.
The Life and Career of William Cheptumo
The late William Cheptumo was a distinguished lawyer by profession, having worked at Kenya Commercial Bank and the Central Bank of Kenya before venturing into private legal practice in 2005.
His political journey began in 2007 when he was first elected as Baringo North MP.
Between 2007 and 2013, he served as Assistant Minister for Justice, National Cohesion, and Constitutional Affairs, playing a key role in shaping Kenya’s governance policies.
He is survived by his wife, Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, and three children: Anthony Kipchirchir, Jean Jeptoo, and Andrew Rotich.
A Fitting Farewell to a Leader Who United, Not Divided
As the country mourns the passing of Senator Cheptumo, his legacy as a peacemaker, bridge-builder, and servant leader remains a powerful example of how politics can be used as a tool for nation-building rather than division.
With Kenya’s political landscape often marred by hostility and tribalism, leaders at the funeral collectively called for an end to hateful rhetoric and divisive politics, urging a return to the values that Cheptumo embodied—peace, integrity, and selfless service.
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