President William Ruto lead the nation in paying tribute to Baringo county deputy governor Charles Kipng’ok who died aboard flight to Mombasa expecting to attend the induction of governors.
Charles was pronounced dead by medical personnel after developing breathing complications at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before the plane took off as reported by the Kenya Airways.
The head of state acknowledged the former chairperson of the Kenya Tea Growers Association as a responsive, genuine and passionate leader who worked tirelessly not only for the people of Baringo but also principled and boldly championed for tea reforms in our country.
“The sudden death of my friend Charles Kipng’ok is a big blow not only to his family, friends, Government and residents of Baringo County but to the entire country, especially the tea sub-sector where he excelled for decades,” Ruto said.
Ruto felt it was unfair to lose Kipng’ok at the start of his term as Deputy Governor saying that the role would have enabled him to contribute to the transformation of Baringo County.
Speaking at Lee funeral home Benjamin Cheboi who was elected alongside Kipng’ok as the county governor said he was yet to come into terms with the death of his friend while sending a message of comfort to his family.
“In the meantime, I take this moment, with a heavy heart, to convey my condolences to the family (wife and children), relatives, friends, and people of Baringo County and the Country. Please remember the heartbroken family in prayers. We shall be giving you details later,” Cheboi said.