Kenya’s political leadership came together on Thursday to pay tribute to the late Sen. William Cheptumo, remembering him as a statesman whose humility, wisdom and unwavering commitment to public service left an indelible mark on the nation.

At a funeral service held at AIC Milimani in Nairobi, Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi led the tributes, describing the late legislator as a calm voice in the storm of politics, a man whose convictions were guided not by personal ambition but by a deep sense of duty.

“Even in heated debates, he never raised his voice unnecessarily—he simply raised his argument,” Kingi said, painting a picture of a leader who sought solutions rather than conflict. 

Sen. Cheptumo, who served as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, was lauded for his steadfast advocacy on matters of security and governance, particularly in the troubled Kerio Valley region.

Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Sen. Kipchumba Murkomen, spoke with emotion, reflecting on a long-standing friendship that preceded their political careers. 

“Cheptumo was a big dreamer. He was a uniting factor in Baringo, a leader who could move across the county without political friction. He saw the promised land—a peaceful Kerio Valley, a better Kenya and a stronger devolved system,” Sen. Murkomen said.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) described the late senator as a rare politician—honest and deeply humble. “Despite my relatively young age, he always deferred to my leadership position, teaching me valuable lessons in humility.”

From across the aisle, Senate Minority Whip Sen. Ledama Olekina (Narok) echoed similar sentiments, calling Sen. Cheptumo a gentleman of integrity. “The last time I saw him, he was frail but in good spirits. I remember his steadfastness when we were fighting for revenue allocation—he stood firm. His eulogy resonated with the man I knew—always receiving calls from people in need, always giving.”

National Assembly Minority Whip, Hon. Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) recalled Sen. Cheptumo’s quiet but firm leadership style. “He was soft-spoken but strong-willed, always impeccably dressed. We emulate his gentleness,” Osoro said.

Sen William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet), who chaired the MPs Ad Hoc Planning Committee for the funeral, summed up Sen. Cheptumo’s character in a striking reflection: “Cheptumo was too good for a politician. Too honest for a Kenyan politician.”

The service, held in a packed church auditorium, drew mourners from all walks of life—friends, colleagues, and constituents whose lives he had touched through his generosity and leadership.

The funeral service was marked by solemnity and reflection, anchored by a sermon from Rev. Joshua Nzau Kimuyu, who preached from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 under the theme ‘Triumph Beyond Time’. He spoke of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of legacy, urging the congregation to draw lessons from the senator’s selfless service.

As the political class, family and friends bid farewell, there was a shared consensus—Senator William Cheptumo’s legacy would endure in the lives he touched and the principles he upheld.