President William Ruto has joined the nation in mourning United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Deputy Secretary-General Daniel Ole Sambu, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, describing him as a principled leader whose contribution to the ruling party and the country will be deeply missed.

In a statement, Ruto said Kenya had lost “a devoted and patriotic leader whose wisdom and insight will be missed.”

“Daniel Ole Sambu, the UDA Deputy Secretary-General, was a gentleman and a solid grassroots mobiliser. He was a steadfast UDA leader who subscribed to mature and progressive politics. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the UDA fraternity. Rest in peace, Ole Sambu,” Ruto said.

Ole Sambu, a respected political organiser from Kajiado County, was appointed UDA Deputy Secretary-General during the party’s restructuring ahead of the 2022 General Election. He played a significant role in building the party’s presence in pastoralist counties, especially in regions with traditionally shifting political loyalties.

As part of the party’s national secretariat, he worked closely with elected leaders and community networks to strengthen UDA’s grassroots mobilisation strategy. His efforts contributed to UDA capturing a majority in both the National Assembly and Senate in 2022, securing its dominance as the leading party in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Sambu was also vocal on issues affecting pastoralist communities, often advocating for equitable resource distribution, livestock markets, education access, and security along inter-county borders, concerns central to the Maasai community.

His death comes at a time when UDA is preparing for grassroots elections, a process in which Sambu was expected to play a central coordination role.

The party is expected to issue an official announcement detailing burial arrangements and broader tributes from senior Kenya Kwanza leaders.

Given his national role and close working relationship with senior UDA officials, several Cabinet Secretaries, MPs, Senators and party officials are expected to attend his burial ceremony once arrangements are finalised.