Kipsang Koech: Political giant who never lost the common touch bows out

Former Cabinet minister John Kipsang Koech. (Courtesy)

At 79, former Cabinet minister John Kipsang Koech had seen it all in politics.

For two decades, he bestrode the political landscape, holding virtually every position that politicians aspire to— except the presidency and vice presidency.

As the curtain fell on his long public career Tuesday, he leaves behind the legacy of a fulfilled man and a proud Kenyan.

Those who knew him say he was a hardworking politician who inspired many during his tenure.

When he was first elected MP for Chepalungu constituency in 1979, the late Koech emerged as a visionary leader. His illustrious political career went on to inspire fellow leaders who overcame challenges to rise through the ranks. Even in death, he remains a trailblazer.

Born in 1946 in Segemik, Chepalungu Constituency, Koech served as the area MP for over two decades, beginning in 1979.

Before joining politics, he worked as a high school teacher between 1973 and 1975, after graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Makerere University, Uganda. In 1976, he joined the public service as a government education officer, a role he held until he entered the political arena.

Koech served as Chepalungu MP from 1979 until 1997, when he was unseated by a youthful Isaac Ruto, who would later become Bomet County’s first governor. In the 2002 general election, he reclaimed the seat, only to be defeated once again by Ruto in 2007. This second loss made him consider retiring from politics for good.

His political journey came to an end in 2017, when he unsuccessfully contested the Bomet gubernatorial seat  losing to the late Dr Joyce Laboso.

Even so, Koech had a remarkable political career. During his time in Parliament, he held several key positions  in the government.

From 1988 to 1989, Koech served as the Minister of Public Works under President Daniel Moi. Later, from 2006 to 2007, he was the Minister for East African Regional Cooperation under President Mwai Kibaki.

After losing his seat in 1997, he worked as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Permanent Representative from 1998 to 2000.

In 1990, his relationship with Moi and Kanu soared, leading to his expulsion from the party,  which was the only political outfit at the time. A by-election was called, and Kimunai arap Soi was elected to take Koech’s seat.

In October 2007, while serving as Minister for East African Cooperation, Koech defected to the opposition after President Kibaki fell behind in the opinion polls ahead of the December general elections.

Koech joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), whose leader, Raila Odinga, had surged ahead of Kibaki according to surveys.

Koech quietly retired from politics and settled at his Stima village in Olbutyo, where he focused on farming until his health began to deteriorate.

“His constituents eulogized him as a focused, hardworking, and visionary leader who relentlessly advocated for the empowerment of the people. They described the MP as a development-oriented titan who was dedicated to public service,” said Joseph Bett Chebanyiny, a resident.

Francis Maritim, another local, added that Koech was more than just a politician; he was a man driven by an unshakable passion for education and an unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen described his as an embodiment of servant leadership and firm principles.