Bomet County is mourning the death of former Cabinet Minister and Chepalungu MP John Koech.
A statement from the late politician’s family confirmed that he died on Tuesday at a Nairobi hospital. However, they did not disclose cause of the death, only saying: “He has been ailing for a long time.”
Koech served as the Minister for Public Works under President Daniel Moi (1988-1989) and held the East African Regional Cooperation docket during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure from 2006 to 2007.
He served as MP from 1979 to 1990 and then from 2003 to 2007.
South Rift leaders condoled with the family, describing the late Koech as a nation-builder, a quiet force of integrity, and a mentor to many.
Senate Majority Leader and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot said described the politician as a "statesman whose wisdom shaped our own journey through the corridors of power".
“Chepalungu constituency and Kenya have lost a true patriot. His legacy of humility, resilience, and service will echo across generations,” he said.
Bomet Governor Hilary Barchok eulogised Koech as an accomplished public servant who would be greatly missed.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the community and the nation at large as we all come to terms with the loss of this great man,” he said.
Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei described Koech as a visionary leader whose contributions significantly shaped Chepalungu and beyond.
“For over two decades, he was a guiding light, offering wisdom and support to both seasoned and emerging leaders alike.”
“During my recent visit in hospital, I was heartened to see his improvement and vibrant spirit, which makes this loss even more poignant.”
He noted Koech’s legacy through agricultural innovations he championed, including the introduction of sweet potatoes and Napier grass.
Are Woman Rep Linet Chepkorir described him a respected "wise elder, a mentor, and a father figure whose guidance touched countless lives”.
A graduate of the Makerere University in Uganda (1972), Koech worked as a teacher and later as an education officer before going into politics. Koech also served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to Unep from 1998 to 2000. [Kiprono Kurgat]
Early in his budding career as an educationist, he attempted to venture into the rough and tumble of politics by vying for the Chepalungu parliamentary seat but emerged second after the incumbent, Kimunai Arap Soi.
Later, in the 1979 General Election, Koech won the Chepalungu parliamentary seat, which was the first election after the late Daniel Moi became the President following the death of Jomo[Ma1] [Ma2] Kenyatta.
In 1988, he was appointed Minister for Public Works, a position he held for only one year before being sacked in May 1989.
Koech was later appointed as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 1998 to 2000.
However, in February 2000, the late Moi eventually dismissed Koech and replaced him with Professor Michael Kipkorir Koech.
After his time at UNEP, Koech continued to be involved in public service, including chairing the Commission of Inquiry into Kenya’s Education System in 1999, known as the Koech Report.
