President William Ruto joined mourners in Baringo County to pay his last respects to the late Senator William Cheptumo.

Cheptumo, who was 57 years old, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness at a hospital in Nairobi.

The burial ceremony took place on March 1, 2025, and was attended by top government officials and political leaders.

In his tribute, President Ruto eulogized the late senator as a dedicated Christian, patriot, and committed leader who served his people with passion.

Ruto conveyed his condolences on behalf of his family and the government, acknowledging Cheptumo’s immense contributions to leadership and public service.

“I join this multitude in bringing my condolences, especially from my family, my wife and children, and many other Kenyans, on behalf of the entire government, to Senator William Cheptumo’s family,” President Ruto said, addressing the mourners in Kiswahili.

The Head of State reminisced about his long-standing relationship with the late senator, noting their shared political journey.

“I stand here as a witness to William Cheptumo’s leadership. I preceded him in political leadership by about ten years before he joined in 2007. We then collaborated and walked together on this journey of leadership and politics,” Ruto recounted.

He went on to describe Cheptumo as a leader who was deeply committed to his constituents, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to public service.

“I can say without fear or contradiction that William Cheptumo was a great leader and that he loved his people. He was very passionate about his people. And he didn’t take for granted his responsibilities as a leader,” Ruto added.

While addressing the family of the late senator, President Ruto offered words of comfort to the bereaved, saying, “God will comfort you, help you, and fill the gap left by William Cheptumo. I extend my condolences once again.”

Cheptumo’s career

Cheptumo took office as the Baringo Senator in 2022 after winning the position under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Prior to that, he served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Baringo North Constituency for 15 years, having won the seat following the 2007 elections.

During the same period, the late senator also served as an executive at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs following his appointment.

Additionally, he held positions in various organizations, including the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).