President William Ruto has condoled with the family of Baringo deputy governor Charles Kipng'ok.
The DG passed away on Wednesday, while he waited to board a plane to Mombasa.
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.
"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 Wednesday 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.
An alumnus of the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kipng'ok leaves behind a rich legacy of service in the tea sub-sector.
He started out as a management trainee at KTDA, rising over the years to become the CEO of Kiptagich and Kaisugu Tea Factories.
He is also a former Chairperson of the Kenya Tea Growers Association.
