President William Ruto has mourned the death of Gideon Konchellah, the former Member of Parliament for Kilgoris and a former Cabinet Minister, describing him as a leader who served his constituents and the nation with dedication and dignity.
In a statement, the President said he had learnt of Konchellah’s passing “with profound sorrow”, noting that Kenya has lost a public servant who devoted nearly two decades of his life to representing the people of Kilgoris.
He highlighted Konchellah’s long service in elective office and his role in national leadership, saying his contribution extended beyond his time in Parliament and Cabinet to the many lives he influenced through public service.
The President noted that the nation mourns a leader of his generation.
"For nearly two decades, Konchellah gave himself to the people of Kilgoris; and through them, to our nation. He represented with dignity. He understood that public office is, above all, a public trust. His was a life measured not in the years he held office, but in the lives he touched and the faith his people placed in him," Ruto said.
"Today, Kenya is the poorer for his loss. Kilgoris mourns a devoted son and a steadfast champion. To his family, his friends, and the people of Kilgoris, he loved and served so faithfully, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in the enduring legacy of his service, and in the knowledge that a grateful nation grieves alongside you. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Konchellah died on Saturday, June 13.
In a statement, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa confirmed that Konchellah suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at the Nairobi hospital.
"This morning, we are very sad to announce the passing on of Honourable Gideon Konchella, the former MP for Kilgore's constituency. Honourable Konchellah has been unwell since November 2025 and has been undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. On May 30, 2026, he was admitted after getting an infection," the PS said.
"On June 12, 2026, he suffered cardiac arrest and passed away at 4 am. His body lies at Lee Funeral Home. On my own behalf and on behalf of my family, I would like to take this opportunity to convey my very sincere condolences to the family and their entire mission for losing this patriarch who has been able to lead our country for a long time."
"We want to urge the family, the people of Kilgore's constituency, the people of Narok and the entire country to remain calm, to be strong in the Lord and to know that in all times the Lord makes us strong. So I want to say, may the Lord be with us all during this time of pain and may His soul rest in eternal peace."
The late Konchellah served as the Kilgoris lawmaker for two terms between 2003 and 2022.
Konchellah also served as the Cabinet Minister for Immigration and Registration of Persons under President Mwai Kibaki's administration between 2006 and 2007.
