Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

A heavy cloud of sorrow has engulfed Bomet county after the sudden and unexpected death of Erick Chepkwony, a respected senior county official.

Chepkwony collapsed and died in Nairobi on Wednesday evening, May 21. At the time of his death, he was serving as Bomet county’s chief officer for finance.

He also held the position of National vice chair of the Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings (KTDA), having secured re-election last year.

He had political ambitions to contest for the Konoin parliamentary seat.

The cause of his death has yet to be made public.

Bomet governor, Hillary Barchok, took to social media on Thursday, May 22, to express his sorrow over the loss of the senior official.

"I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our Chief Officer for Finance CPA, Erick Chepkwony. My heart goes out to his family, the people of Bomet, and the KTDA fraternity, where he served as national vice chair.

The governor said the loss was especially devastating because he had spent time with Chepkwony hours before his death, and he appeared to be in good health.

He offered condolences to Chepkwony’s family and all who knew him, praying for their strength during this difficult time.

"This devastating loss feels even more profound as we remember how full of life he was just yesterday. We stand with his family during this unimaginably difficult time and pledge our steadfast support," Barchok further said.

Kenyans who knew the late Chepkwony took to social media to mourn his death, with many posting emotional tributes.

Bomet senator, Hillary Sigei:

"Deeply saddened to learn of the sudden demise of CPA Erick Chepkwony, the Chief Officer for Finance in Bomet County. His untimely departure is a great loss not only to the County Government of Bomet but also to the entire KTDA fraternity, where he served as the National Vice Chair."

Bomet MCA, Peter Mutahi:

"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of CPA Erick Chepkwony, Chief Officer of Finance, ICT, and Economic Planning. Chepkwony was a committed and visionary leader who served with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. His contributions to public finance and development planning have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be profoundly felt across the county and beyond."

Nyangores MCA, Hon. Chemurkeldet:

"It's still unbelievable that CPA Erick Chepkwony is no more. It's quite shocking and saddening to hear about this devastating news. My sincere condolences to the tea growers of Kapsinendet Zones, KTDA leadership, the entire people of Chepchabas in Konoin Constituency and the great people of Bomet County for losing such a visionary, ambitious and dedicated Public servant."

Hon Victor Katam:

"I eulogise CPA Erick Chepkwony as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Bomet County and KTDA was truly inspiring."

Ngetich Peter Menechwen:

"Bomet is saddened by the Loss of CO Finance and KTDA Vice Chairman, CPA Erick Chepkwony."

The news of Chepkwony’s passing happened just days after Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi mourned the sudden death of his staff member, Peter Njiri Ruguru.

In a statement, Wamatangi described Njiri as a cheerful and committed protocol officer serving in his office.

Njiri died in a tragic accident on the morning of Saturday, May 17.

The governor expressed his condolences, calling Njiri’s death a significant loss to the county, his family, and the community.

Source: TUKO.co.ke