Baringo South MP Kipchoim eulogised as a peace crusader
Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim speaks to journalists at Kabarnet on June 23, 2014. PHOTO | CHEBOITE KIGEN | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Ms Kipchoim was elected during the August 8 elections despite her not holding a single campaign meeting.
- Knut official Cheptarus said that the MP’s death had dealt blow to peace programmes in the region.
Leaders and residents on Friday eulogised Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim, who died in Nairobi, as a peace champion who united warring pastoral communities by initiating development projects.
Leaders who spoke upon learning of her death said the region has lost a great leader who was instrumental in stamping out cattle raids and banditry among warring communities in the North Rift by introducing social-economic income-generating activities to improve people’s livelihoods.
“It is a really sad day for us having lost a great leader who transformed the region through peace caravans to contain insecurity and ensured equal distribution of resources that has seen every ward realise development,” Julia Kandie, a nominated MCA from Baringo, said.
PEACE
Ms Kandie recounted how the late legislator personally supervised several projects, including irrigation schemes which helped the semi-arid region realise food security.
“She involved all political and religious leaders in spearheading peace initiatives and dialogue to resolve disputes among Endorois, Illchamus and Pokot communities.
"Despite being on the sick bed, she would talk to fellow leaders to preach peace,” the MCA added.
Ms Kipchoim, who was first elected in 2013 on a United Republican Party ticket, died at Nairobi Hospital after a long illness. She was serving her second term in Parliament.
“It’s true we’ve lost her. We convey our condolences to her family,” said Baringo North MP William Cheptumo.
DEVELOPMENT
Having endeared herself to the electorate through her development track record, Ms Kipchoim was elected during the August 8 elections despite her not holding a single campaign meeting.
Joshua Cheptarus, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary-General, on Friday said that the MP’s death had dealt blow to peace programmes in the region.
“It is indeed a sad day. There will be a big gap. She promoted peaceful co-existence among the communities and encouraged leaders to be united.
"I call on all leaders to put aside their differences and accord her a descent send-off,” the Knut official said.
The MP’s efforts also saw the government deploy police reservists in her constituency following rampant cases of insecurity.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described the MP as a leader who passionately pursued the interest of the people.
