John Koech: Ex-Cabinet Minister Dies after Long Illness, Family Confirms
- John Koech served as the Member of Parliament for Chepalungu for a total of 16 years, making him the longest-serving legislator in the constituency's history
- Koech held key ministerial positions under two administrations—minister for Public Works (1988–1989) and minister for East African Regional Cooperation (2006–2007)
- A graduate of Makerere University with a BA in Economics, Koech also represented Kenya on the global stage as the UNEP Permanent Representative from 1998 to 2000
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: The nation is in mourning following the death of former Cabinet minister John Koech, who passed away at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness.
Source: Facebook
Koech died while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital. His body has since been transferred to the Lee Funeral Home, according to his family.
What is John Koech's education and career life?
Born in 1946 in Olbutyo, Chepalungu, Bomet county, Koech's life was marked by a distinguished political and public service career.
He began his education at Segemik Primary School before proceeding to Tenwek High School for both his O' and A' levels.
He later joined Makerere University in Uganda, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Koech served in various senior government roles under former late presidents Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
He was appointed minister of Public Works in 1988 but served only until 1989 when he was dismissed following reported disagreements with Moi and other top government officials.
Despite the fallout, he later returned to public service as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) between 1998 and 2000.
During Kibaki’s administration, Koech was appointed minister for East African Regional Cooperation from 2006 to 2007.
A veteran politician, Koech was the longest-serving Member of Parliament for the Chepalungu constituency.
He first held the seat from 1979 to 1990 and later from 2003 to 2007, bringing his total parliamentary service to 16 years.
His tenure was marked by significant contributions to education and infrastructure development, particularly in the Kericho and Bomet regions.
In his later years, Koech expressed interest in running for Bomet county governor but lost.
Leaders from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Koech, describing him as an iconic statesman whose legacy will be remembered for decades.
His contributions to public service and development remain etched in the history of Kenya's political landscape.
Source: Facebook
Kenyans mourn John Koech
President William Ruto
"Mheshimiwa John Koech was a hardworking leader who served the people of Chepalungu with dedication. He was focused, progressive and development-conscious. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this sad moment. Rest in peace."
Speaker Moses wetang'ula
"My thoughts remain with his family, the people of Bomet county, and all who drew strength, wisdom, and inspiration from his leadership. Kenya has lost a statesman whose legacy endures far beyond his years in public service. Ambassador Koech was a champion of access, equity, and excellence in education, particularly in the former Kericho and Bomet districts, where he opened doors for countless young minds.
Today, we mourn not only a public servant but also a builder of futures, a patriot, and a man who carried the weight of leadership with dignity and clarity of purpose."
Isaac Rutto
"His steadfast commitment and remarkable leadership not only shaped the future of Chepalungu but contributed significantly to the transformation of our country as a whole. We honour his integrity, wisdom and unwavering influence to push for various reforms that anchored transformation in our country.
Even beyond active politics, his mentorship and guidance remained a source of inspiration to many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the people of Chepalungu and the entire nation as we mourn this great loss."
When will Ken Nyagudi be buried?
In other news, former Kisumu West Member of Parliament Ken Nyagudi died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Nyagudi first rose to prominence in 2004 when he was elected MP in a by-election following the death of Joab Omino.
In the 2007 General Election, he lost his parliamentary seat to Olago Aluoch after the ODM nominations. Nyagudi will be laid to rest at his Siaya home on Friday, April 11.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
