Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

- Senator William Kipkorir Cheptumo died while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital on Saturday, February 15.

His death has plunged the county and the nation into mourning, as leaders and citizens alike remember his commitment to public service and leadership.

President William Ruto eulogised the late senator as a progressive and dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed the transformation of Baringo county.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also paid tribute, describing Senator Cheptumo as a leader who served with unmatched zeal.

“The Senate of Kenya has lost a leader who firmly believed in devolution and used every opportunity to advance its cause and the welfare of Kenyans,” Kingi said.

Senator Cheptumo was highly regarded for his passion for public service and advocacy for regional development.

Just a day before his passing, on February 14, he posted a message of support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) elections.

In his message, Cheptumo described Raila as the most qualified candidate for the chairmanship, praising his Pan-African vision and dedication to the continent’s progress.

"Raila Odinga is undoubtedly the most qualified candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship. He is a well-crafted democrat with seasoned experience on matters of the African continent.

"His unrelenting Pan-African spirit presents him as a statesman with a bold African quest for a progressive Africa. His victory will be a win for Kenya and Africa at large. Wishing you the very best, Baba. Let's win together. Let's bring it home together," he wrote.

Despite the warm wishes, Raila lost the AUC election to Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Youssouf.

Raila withdrew in the sixth round after Youssouf maintained a commanding lead. In the seventh round, Youssouf garnered 33 votes from African heads of state, securing his position as the next AUC chairperson.

The loss marked a significant moment in continental politics, but Raila’s campaign was widely praised for its vision and determination.

In another tragic story, a Nairobi mother has been detained in connection with the alleged murder of her four-year-old son.

Initially, the woman claimed the child had died in his sleep and took his body to Mama Lucy Hospital mortuary before switching off her phone.

However, investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) revealed that the child died from injuries sustained after he was allegedly beaten for soiling himself while answering a call of nature.

Source: TUKO.co.ke