Nairobi, Kenya- Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has led tributes following the sudden death of Erick Chepkwony, the county’s Chief Officer for Finance, ICT, and Economic Planning, who passed away on Wednesday evening in Nairobi under yet-to-be-established circumstances.
In a somber statement released Thursday morning, Governor Barchok expressed deep sorrow and disbelief, recalling how full of life Chepkwony was just hours before the tragic news broke.
“My heart goes out to his family, the people of Bomet, and the KTDA, as we come to terms with the devastating news,” the governor said.
Chepkwony, a respected public servant and prominent figure in the tea industry, reportedly collapsed and died in Nairobi. The cause of death remains unknown, pending a medical report.
Legacy of Service in County and Tea Sector
Until his untimely death, Chepkwony served not only in the county government but also in national leadership roles.
He was the director of Kapset Tea Factory and held the position of national vice chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), where he played a key role in advocating for smallholder tea farmers.
He began his county service in December 2022 as the Chief Officer for Cooperatives, later moving to the Public Works docket before taking up the finance role in September 2023.
“We have lost a vibrant and committed leader who was dedicated to the economic transformation of Bomet,” Barchok added, pledging that the county government would walk with the family through this difficult period.
Tributes Pour In
Condolences have begun pouring in from county officials, KTDA executives, and residents who knew Chepkwony as a diligent and approachable leader. His efforts in both public finance management and the tea sector reforms have been widely acknowledged.
The county government is expected to coordinate with the family on funeral arrangements as leaders call for patience while awaiting an official cause of death.
