Baringo Senator William Cheptumo has passed away at the age of 57. The senator died on the morning of Sunday, February 16, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been battling an undisclosed illness.
According to family sources, Cheptumo had been unwell for some time. He was discharged from the hospital last week but was readmitted after his condition deteriorated. His body has since been moved to Lee Funeral Home.
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the late senator, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a transformative leader for Baringo County.
“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,” the President stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Cheptumo had a distinguished career in law and politics. Before joining the Senate, he served as the Member of Parliament for Baringo North from 2008 to 2013. In the 2022 General Election, he was elected as Baringo’s Senator under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, defeating former senator and Kanu party chairman Gideon Moi.
Born in 1967, Cheptumo was an accomplished lawyer and the proprietor of Cheptumo and Company Advocates law firm. His legal career included roles as a legal officer at the Central Bank of Kenya and the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation. He was an alumnus of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law before completing a postgraduate diploma at the Kenya School of Law.
Cheptumo’s educational journey began at Maregut Primary School from 1975 to 1981, where he earned his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). He then attended Bartolimo Secondary School for his lower secondary education (1982-1985) before proceeding to Kabarnet High School for his upper secondary education in 1986.
His death marks a significant loss for Baringo County and the country at large. Leaders from various political affiliations have expressed their condolences, remembering him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of his constituents.
As the nation mourns, arrangements for his burial are expected to be announced in the coming days. The late senator’s contributions to law, politics, and community development will leave a lasting impact on Baringo and Kenya as a whole.
