Founding Sotik MP Anthony Kimeto dies in Nairobi 

By , K24 Digital
On Tue, 23 Aug, 2022 15:49 | 2 mins read
Founding Sotik Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Kimeto at a past function. PHOTO/Courtesy

Founding Sotik Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Kimeto is dead.

Kimeto, famously known as Sotet, died on Monday, August 22, due to diabetes complications while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.

Outgoing Sotik MP, who is also his son, Dominic Koskei broke the news of his death.

“Yes, Mzee has rested and we will communicate to the public on our next course regarding his burial,” Koskei said.

The two-term MP served between 1997 and 2007.

He plunged into politics in 1997 where he trounced 10 other aspirants to be the first MP for Sotik on the independence party, KANU.

Kimeto, a KANU diehard, defended his seat in 2002 riding on the party wave.

The late Lorna Laboso ousted him in 2007 who took advantage of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wave which swept through the then Rift Valley Province.

Kimeto retires from politics

Kimeto tried to make a comeback in 2008 by-election following the death of Lorna but was again trounced by the Late Governor Joyce Laboso.

The defeat forced Kimetto into political retirement creating a leeway for his son Koskei to make his entry into the political arena.

Koskei would in 2017 succeed Joyce Laboso after she opted to run for Bomet governorship.

Koskei's stay was, however, short-lived after he was defeated in the recently concluded general election.

Kimeto was popular with his unique hairstyle which endeared him to the electorate.

He has been hailed for his development record with many praising him for laying a strong foundation for development in the constituency.

Stacy Chepkemoi, who unsuccessfully view for Bomet Woman Representative seat, described Kimetto as a development-conscious leader whose work stands tall.

Chepkemoi said Kimetto defied odds to stay in office even when the political dynamics did not favour him.

"Kimetto worked at a time when MPs did not have CDF but his record stands tall to date.

"We will not forget how he skillfully used humour to pass his message leaving us in stitches," she said.

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake officials in Bomet led by Chairperson Sally Kirui also mourned him describing him as a peace crusader.

Kirui said Kimetto helped in fostering peace along the volatile Sotik-Borabu border.

"Kimetto did not entertain conflicts and worked round the clock to ensure there was peace with our neighbours," Kirui said.

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