The late Bill Lorupe Ballot Kassait, a son of Hon. William Kamket (Tiaty) and Immaculate Kassait has been laid to rest in Kositei Tiaty, Baringo County.
In a sombre burial ceremony attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, MPs and other political leaders, Kassait Jnr was mourned as a hero who had a gentle, warm and calm spirit.
Hon. Kamket mourned his son as a special boy who was building a legacy of kindness, curiosity and gentle strength and who wanted to make a difference in the world.
“My son didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard, his presence alone commanded attention. People listened when he spoke not because he demanded it but because what he said mattered. Ballot had an old soul he was wise beyond his years,” Hon. Kamket mourned.
In the same breath, Ballot’s mother, Commissioner Kassait in her tribute recounted the the beutiful moment when Ballot was born in August 2011. “Ballot owned my heart, I never imagined I would let him go soon, he had a gentle soul who checked on everyone making sure his brothers were okay. In pain I find comfort”.
His siblings described the late Ballot as a precious gift to them who carried with him special qualities. “Our brother was gentle with a high spirit that drew people in, he was the youngest of all siblings with a bigger presence”.
“He loved the Church and also proudly walked in the footsteps of his ancestors, he embraced his Pokot heritage. Ballot was a boy who understood the beauty of both his spiritual and cultural identity”, they added.
The Speaker led MPs in passing their condolences. In his message, he narrated his long-standing friendship with Hon. Kamket’s family.
“I have known Hon. Kamket for a long time now, we have heard about his child in the many tributes that have been read here, he did a lot in his life. I want to ask that the family celebrate the life of Ballot, whom you have described as a saint,” he said.
The Speaker also conveyed the Condolences of H.E the President, Dr. William Samiei Ruto. He said the President in his message valued the work of Hon. Kamket and his efforts to bring peace in the Kerio Valley region stating, “There is no substitute for peace the Bible says peace is the way, Kenya cannot go to Singapore if this region will remain behind.”
The Speaker finalized his message by committing to dedicate one hour of the House processing to the Hon. Members of the National Assembly to eulogise the young man. He said this will happen when the House resumes from the short recess.
Teachers from the Aghakhan Academy where Bill schooled eulogised him as a dedicated student who loved education.
They said that they were remembering a soul that touched many at school, built a strong relationship with his teachers and was a strong believer in Christianity. They also said Bill had a strong interest in the Japanese language.
May the young soul of the late Bill Lorupe Ballot Kassait Jnr rest in eternal peace.
By Anthony Solly
