President William Ruto has conveyed his message of condolences to Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago after losing his mother, the late Esther Jerotich Tapsiargai.

Taking to his official X account on Friday, January 30, 2026, Ruto described the late Esther as a woman of grace, having raised her children in the right way.

“May God grant comfort and abiding strength to the family and friends of Esther Jerotich Tapsiargai as they endure this deep loss,” Ruto’s statement read in part.

Ruto has remembered Esther as a mother who left a lasting imprint of discipline, care, and integrity on her children.

“Gogo Esther, the beloved mother of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, will be remembered as a woman of grace, kind in heart, and enterprising in spirit. Through her guidance and example, she raised upright children and left a lasting imprint of discipline, care, and integrity,” Ruto added.

“We draw reassurance from the promise of Scripture in Job 5:11: “The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” May this word bring peace and steady hope to all who grieve her passing. Rest in eternal peace, Gogo Esther,” Ruto said.

Condolences from other leaders

This comes after her family confirmed that she died at an Eldoret Hospital while undergoing treatment.

Several leaders have expressed their condolences to Mandago and the family.

The Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also joined leaders across the country in mourning the late Esther Lelei.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, my brother, Uasin Gishu Senator @GvnMandago and your family, following the passing of your beloved mother, Mama Esther Lelei. The pain of losing a mother is profound and beyond words. May God grant you comfort, strength and peace during this time of immense grief,” Murkomen said.

Among those who also sent their condolences are Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his deputy, Evans Kapkea.

“On behalf of the County Government and the great people of Uasin Gishu, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Senator Jackson Mandago and his family on the passing of his beloved mother, Esther Lelei,” Bii said in his condolence message to Mandago.

Bii said Mama Esther had lived a life marked by remarkable compassion, strength and selfless devotion to her family and community, wishing the family comfort and peace during this difficult time.

“We stand with the family in prayers and support during this difficult time,” Bii said.

On the other hand,Senators including Samson Cherargei of Nandi and William Kisang of Elgeyo Marakwet, along with Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, also mourned the death and sent messages of condolence to Mandago and his family.

“We stand with Senator Mandago and his family during this difficult time. We ask God to give them strength to bear the loss of his mother,” Rotich said.

Members of Parliament from the county, including Soy MP David Kiplagat and his Kesses counterpart Julius Rutto, also mourned the passing of Mandago’s mother.

“My heart goes out to my brother, Senator Jackson Mandago, and the entire family following the painful loss of your beloved mother, Mama Esther Tapsiarga Lelei,” Rutto said.