Former Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey has lost his wife, Zipporah Kosgey, family members and leaders confirmed on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

News of her death emerged after President William Ruto shared a condolence message on his official X account, mourning the loss and offering support to the bereaved family.

In his message, Ruto described Mama Zipporah as a devoted wife, mother and family matriarch whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.

“I am saddened by the passing of Mama Zipporah Kosgey, beloved wife of former Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey,” Ruto said.

“My heartfelt condolences go to my friend Kosgey, the children Allan, Charlene and Alexander, and the entire family at this tough time of grief.”

The president said Mama Zipporah touched many lives through her kindness, strength and dedication to her family.

“Mama Zipporah was a devoted wife, mother and matriarch whose love, strength and kindness touched many lives. As you mourn her passing, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you,” he stated.

“We stand with you and share in your sorrow during this painful moment. Rest in peace, Mama Zipporah.”

The cause of her death had not been made public by Saturday evening June 13, 2026.

Leaders mourn Mama Zipporah

Condolence messages continued to pour in from political leaders, friends and members of the public following the announcement.

Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei also paid tribute to the late Zipporah Kosgey, describing her death as a great loss to the family.

“I mourn the passing of Mrs Zippy Jerotich Kosgey, the spouse of Mzee Henry Kiprono Kosgey. My condolences to Waziri Kosgey, Allan, Alex and all their siblings. May her soul rest in peace,” Felix Koskei said.

Zipporah Kosgey was widely known within political and social circles through her long association with Henry Kosgey, one of Kenya’s most experienced politicians.

Henry Kosgey served as the Member of Parliament for Tinderet Constituency for more than three decades. First elected in 1979, he remained a prominent figure in national politics and held several Cabinet positions under different administrations.

Over the years, he served as Minister for Transport and Communications, Co-operative Development, Tourism, Education, Industrialisation and several other ministries. He also played a key role in party politics and served as chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Elections Board during the 2007 election period.

The Kosgey family has remained influential in Nandi County and the Rift Valley region. Their son, Alex Kosgey, served as the Member of Parliament for Emgwen Constituency between 2013 and 2022.

The death of Zipporah Kosgey came on a day when Kenya also lost another veteran political figure. Former Immigration Minister and ex-Kilgoris MP Gideon Sitelu Konchellah died while undergoing treatment in Nairobi.

Konchellah served in former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration and was credited with overseeing major reforms in Kenya’s refugee management system during his tenure as Minister for Immigration and Registration of Persons.