Baringo Senator William Cheptumo passes away at 57
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo passes away at 57
Baringo Senator William Cheptumo has passed away at the age of 57 while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. His family confirmed that he had been battling an undisclosed illness for some time before his death on February 16, 2025.
A family member revealed that Cheptumo had been 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 mourned Cheptumo as a progressive leader who was dedicated to public service and the development of 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 said in a statement on X.
Cheptumo, a lawyer by profession, had a distinguished career in both 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 the Senator for Baringo County under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), defeating KANU party chairman Gideon Moi.
At the time of his passing, Cheptumo was the Chairperson of the Senate National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations Committee. He also ran his law firm, Cheptumo and Company Advocates, and previously worked as a legal officer at the Central Bank of Kenya and the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC)
Born in Baringo County, Cheptumo pursued his early education at Maregut Primary School (1975-1981), where he earned his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). He later attended Bartolimo Secondary School (1982-1985) for his lower secondary education before proceeding to Kabarnet High School in 1986 for his upper secondary studies.
Cheptumo then joined the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Law. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Throughout his political career, Cheptumo was known for his commitment to governance, security matters, and legal reforms. His tenure in both Parliament and the Senate saw him play a key role in shaping national policies, particularly in security and constitutional affairs.
His death marks a significant loss to Baringo County and the nation at large, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service.
Details regarding his funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
