'Death has robbed us...' Ruto mourns DG Charles Kipng'ok

Charles Kipng'ok developed breathing difficulties this evening while boarding KQ612 that was scheduled to depart for Mombasa

• Charles Kipng'ok was about to board a flight scheduled for Mombasa.

• Ruto prayed for God's comfort and fortitude to the family and friends of Kipng'ok as well as residents of Baringo County.

He died before boarding a KQ flight on Wednesday.
Baringo Deputy Governor Charles Kipng'ok He died before boarding a KQ flight on Wednesday.
Image: CHARLES KIPNG'OK

President William Ruto has condoled with the family of Baringo deputy governor Charles Kipng'ok.

In his message of comfort to the family, the head of state remembered Kipng'ok as an amiable, astute and highly accomplished public servant who had an enviable track record of success in the tea sub-sector.

"The sudden death of my friend Charles Kipng'ok is a big blow not only to his family, friends, Government and residents of Baringo County but to the entire country, especially the tea sub-sector where he excelled for decades," Ruto said.

Adding;

"It is extremely unfortunate that the unforgiving hand of death has robbed our country of Hon Kipng'ok at the start of his term as Deputy Governor, a role that would have enabled him to contribute to the transformation of Baringo County."

Ruto prayed for God's comfort and fortitude to the family and friends of Kipng'ok as well as residents of Baringo County.

"To the family of Hon Kipng'ok, Governor Benjamin Cheboi and the people of Baringo County, I pray that God the Almighty grant you the fortitude and comfort to overcome the loss of your kin, colleague and leader."

In a statement on Thursday night, Kenya Airways said the DG developed breathing difficulties.

"Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) regrets to announce that a passenger developed breathing difficulties this evening while boarding KQ612 that was scheduled to depart for Mombasa at 1900hrs," it read.

The deputy governor was pronounced dead by the medical personnel before the plane took off.

This is the third case of a person dying before or while boarding a KQ plane.

On Monday August 22 a passenger died aboard flight KQ003. The plane had been diverted to help the passenger seek medical attention.

KQ said Moroccan medical personnel tried to help but found that the passenger, a Kenyan man, was already unresponsive. 

WATCH: For the latest videos on entertainment stories

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho Telegram group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.