Written by Lisa Murimi
Grief hangs heavy over Bomet County and Kenya’s tea sector following the sudden and heartbreaking death of Erick Chepkwony, the county’s Chief Officer for Finance, ICT, and Economic Planning, and the National Vice Chair of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
Chepkwony, a man known for his strength, humility, and unwavering commitment to public service, reportedly collapsed and passed away in Nairobi on Wednesday evening.
The cause of death remains unknown.His passing has left the county reeling.
In an emotional statement, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok described the news as “a shock,” noting that Chepkwony appeared healthy and full of life just the day before.
”My heart goes out to his family, the people of Bomet, and the KTDA fraternity, where he served as National Vice Chair. This devastating loss feels even more profound as we remember how full of life he was just yesterday,” the statement read in part.
Barchok said, pledging county support to Chepkwony’s grieving family:
”We stand with his family during this unimaginably difficult time and pledge our steadfast support,” the statement continued.
Chepkwony’s impact stretched far beyond Bomet. At KTDA, he fought for fair earnings for tea farmers and helped open new market avenues.
Colleagues remember him as a man of wisdom and tireless dedication, a champion for rural communities, and a voice for the often-overlooked.
He joined the Finance docket in September 2023 after years of service in Cooperatives and Public Works, bringing integrity and vision to every role he held.
Today, Bomet mourns not just a leader, but a friend, a father, and a servant of the people. His absence leaves a silence that will echo for years to come.
