Former Ainabkoi MP William Cheokut was laid to rest at his Kapsundei home, Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday with speakers eulogising him as a trusted lieutenant in government circles, who cut deals with presidents across the East African region.
Mr Chepkut died on October 8 after collapsing at his Nairobi house and was pronounced dead on arrival at Mediheal Parklands hospital. A post-mortem revealed a blood clot.
Speakers at the emotional sendoff of the politician remembered for his jovial nature described him as a loyalist who had deep connections across the board, including with top businessmen on the international front.
Partly this was attributed to his long service as the personal assistant to the late Nicholas Biwott, a powerful politician in the Kanu era who ran errands for him.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi condoles with the family of the late William Chepkut during a burial service at Kapsundei Primary School in Flax, Uasin Gishu County, on October 18, 2022.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
It was while working for Mr Biwott that he cut his niche exploiting it with dexterity, mourners heard.
Nominated Senator Prof Margaret Kamar narrated how Chepkut was networked in Kenya and internationally and was like a son to her because of his service to Biwott.
“After the death of Mr Biwott, he was asking me if I had informed several Heads of State including former Tanzania president Jakaya Kikwete and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni. I asked him to go ahead and make calls. His loyalty was unmatched and was ready to accept corrections and a fast learner for any task,” she said.
Prof Kamar said Chepkut was very generous and would spend the last coin on his people and it did not matter to him if he died poor.
Biwott’s daughter Esther Koimett said her father trusted Chepkut to an extent their opinions were considered superfluous.
“Many at times we felt that our father never listened to us because he trusted Chepkut’s word to the letter. He was liked because of his absolute loyalty,” she said.
The family of the late William Chepkut, former Ainabkoi MP, during a burial service at Kapsundei Primary School in Flax, Uasin Gishu County, on October 18, 2022.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
“I could not comprehend why I was being arrested because I was a law-abiding citizen and when I approached Chepkut who was in a cordial relationship with the then DCI boss George Kinoti, he took me to him. Mr Kinoti disclosed to us all that it was about politics. That was Chepkut. He accessed all the mighty and low in the society,” said Mr Lagat.
It emerged from the eulogies that Mr Chepkut had an interesting relationship with former Presidents-Daniel arap Moi and Uhuru Kenyatta whom he accessed with ease.
It is for this reason that Mr Biwott never owned a mobile phone as he relied on his PA to the point even the heads of state accessed him through Chepkut.
In his message of condolence delivered through Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, President William Ruto eulogised Chepkut as an exemplary and selfless leader who was witty and approachable.
“Chepkut was an easy-going leader who touched many lives because he was progressive and dedicated. We have lost a great leader who served the people diligently. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” said the President.
There wasn’t a dull moment as the late Chepkut’s family recalled how he lived a life full of his signature comics and theatrics.
From emulating his powerful humorous speeches to jigs, his six children and master of ceremonies decorated the funeral ceremony with anecdotes exemplifying the life of the former MP.
They described the deceased as a hero of generosity who would spend his last coin on the welfare of those he loved.
“My father was a kindhearted and a generous family man who ensured his children had the best of education,” said his eldest son Nicholas.
He said the family would continue to pursue their goals as aspired by their father with military precision as he attempted to mimic how his father talked.
In life, Mr Chepkut often used the term military precision in his speeches.
Habil, Chepkut’s youngest son, said he walked in his father’s political steps, revealing his desire to pursue a political career.
Leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago and former MPs joined mourners in sending off Chepkut.
