William Cheptumo Kipkiror, the late Senator of Baringo County, Kenya, passed away on February 16, 2025. His death was announced on the same day, with tributes highlighting his significant contributions to both Baringo County and the nation. The cause of his death remains unclear, though it was noted that he had been admitted to the hospital for an unspecified illness prior to his passing. His last social media post, shared on February 15, 2025, expressed support for Raila Odinga's candidacy in the African Union Commission chairmanship race. Early Life and Education Born: December 25, 1967, in Baringo County, in the hostile Kalabata area on the border of Baringo North and Tiaty. Primary Education: Attended Maregut Primary School from 1975 to 1981, earning his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). Secondary Education: Studied at Bartolimo Secondary School from 1982 to 1985, obtaining his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Advanced Education: Enrolled at Kabarnet High School in 1986 for his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE), preparing him for university. University Education: Graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1988 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Professional Career Legal Officer: Worked at the Industrial & Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) from May 1993 to September 1996. Central Bank of Kenya: Served as a Legal Officer from October 1996 to December 1998. Political Career Member of Parliament (MP) for Baringo North: Elected in 2007 under the United Republican Party (URP) ticket, part of the Jubilee Alliance coalition. Served three terms from 2007 to 2022, totaling 15 years. During his tenure, he was the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs. Advocated for anti-banditry legislation, including a 2014 bill to compensate victims of banditry attacks, though implementation by the government was lacking. Assistant Minister: Served as Assistant Minister of Justice, National Cohesion & Constitutional Affairs during his parliamentary career. Baringo Senator: Elected in 2022 under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, defeating incumbent Gideon Moi with 141,777 votes to Moi's 71,408. Served as Chairperson of the Senate National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations Committee, with Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu as Vice Chairperson. Focused on uniting leaders and communities in Baringo to address insecurity, particularly banditry and cattle rustling, which he noted had plagued the region since 1977. Moved a motion in 2024 to declare cattle rustling a national disaster and proposed a special fund to compensate victims and address related socio-economic impacts. Key Contributions and Legacy Security and Peace Initiatives: Pledged to unite leaders and communities, including the Pokot, Ilchamus, Tugen, and Endorois, to foster peace and development. Engaged in peace caravans to address long-term solutions to banditry and insecurity. Criticized harassment of locals during security operations and emphasized the need for fair treatment of community members. Infrastructure Development: Secured Sh. 300 million from the national government for the rehabilitation of the Kabarnet-Kabartonjo-Kipsaraman road in Baringo County. Advocacy and Representation: Known for his calm leadership and dedication to public service, as noted in tributes following his passing. Represented Baringo County's interests at the national level, focusing on issues like education, health, and economic activities disrupted by insecurity. Personal Life William Cheptumo was married and had children, though specific details about his family are not publicly available. He was described as a mentor and a great leader by political allies and community members. Public Reaction to His Death Posts on X expressed deep sorrow, with many describing him as a vibrant, magnanimous, and influential leader. Tributes highlighted his legacy of dedication, vision, and service, with condolences extended to his family, friends, and the people of Baringo County. William Cheptumo's passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Baringo County's political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for security, development, and community unity.. SRCmedia