Tiaty MP William Kamket and his wife, Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s Data Commissioner, are mourning the death of their last-born son, who passed away at a Nairobi hospital on Tuesday morning.
The 13-year-old, William (Junior) Ballot Kassait, had been battling asthma, according to family sources.
He fell ill over the weekend after developing breathing difficulties and was placed on medication, but tragically passed away around 8 a.m.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that narrows airways and causes coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
It can be triggered by allergens, infections, and pollutants, and while often incurable, it is managed through medication such as inhalers to control inflammation.
The deceased was named “Ballot” because he was born while his mother, Immaculate Kassait, was serving at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), overseeing voter registration and electoral operations during the 2013 General Elections.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences on Wednesday, saying: “We extend our sincere condolences to Hon. William Kamket and his family following the loss of their beloved son, Bill Ballot Kassait Jnr. It is deeply painful to lose a young life filled with promise and potential. We stand with you and support you during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Bill.”
On Tuesday, Nandi Hills MP Benard Kitur, who chairs the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee where Kamket serves as vice chair, broke the sad news to the committee: “Good evening, colleagues. Our Vice Chair Hon William Kassait Kamket and Immaculate Kassait lost their beloved last-born son this morning after a very short illness. We condole with our Vice Chair and family! Pole sana.”
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party also paid tribute. UDA digital strategist Antonellah Kakuko wrote: “Go well, Bill Junior Ballot. Your light will forever remain in our hearts. May the Almighty grant Hon. William Kamket and his wife, Immaculate Kassait, the strength, comfort, and peace to endure this painful loss. May they find grace to mourn their beloved son and courage to carry on in his memory.”
Kamket is serving his second term as Tiaty MP, having first been elected on a KANU ticket in 2017 and previously served as the inaugural speaker of Baringo County Assembly in 2013.
Immaculate Kassait, an advocate, became Kenya’s first Data Commissioner five years ago after her tenure at IEBC.
Family, friends, and fellow MPs have been visiting the couple at their Langata home since Tuesday to offer condolences.
