Former State House Comptroller Abraham Kiptanui dies

Former State House Comptroller Abraham Kiptanui has died after a long illness, his family has announced.

Kiptanui long served as State House comptroller during the tenure of Kenya's second President, Daniel arap Moi. 

A statement released by Moi's Press Secretary Lee Njiru , on behalf of the family, said Kiptanui died at Nairobi Hospital early Sunday morning.

"He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family following a long illness bravely borne," the statement said, adding funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Kiptanui had been hospitalised for nearly a month.

Governance expert

Kiptanui's death brings down the curtains on one of Moi's dependable allies.

The former State House comptroller and his successor Franklin Bett commanded respect due to their unmatched expertise in governance.

They are among the influential individuals said to have been behind Moi’s two-decade grip on power.

Kiptanui, 82, served as State House Comptroller for 13 years before he retired in 1996.

The man described as soft-spoken but a strict disciplinarian, was one of Moi’s most trusted political lieutenants.

Moi appointed him in 1983, following the death of Andrew Limo arap Ngeny.

Ngeny died that year near the Stem Hotel on the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, while in a presidential motorcade.

Moi, Kiptanui, Mr Njiru, Brigadier Wilson Ayabei Boinnet who was the president’s ADC and Elijah Sumbeiywo, the commander of the presidential escort, were headed to Nakuru from Thika during the fatal 7pm accident.

Glowing tributes

On Sunday, Mr Njiru remembered events leading to Kiptanui’s appointment as State House Comptroller.

“I remember Mzee Moi, hours later, called Kiptanui, then working in the Directorate of Aerodromes, and appointed him to replace Ngeny,” he said. Such was the confidence the late President Moi had in Kiptanui.

Various leaders paid Kiptanui glowing tributes, describing him as a dedicated and hard-working civil servant.

Deputy President William Ruto eulogised him as a humble, selfless and dedicated public servant.

“We are saddened by the loss of an illustrious and hardworking public servant. Abraham Kiptanui humbly served the country with a lot of dedication," Dr Ruto said in a statement to the press.

"He was a cause-driven and tireless administrator. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kiptanui family during this time of grief."

Kanu chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described Kiptanui as a man who displayed unmatched dedication and relentless hard work.

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