Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is mourning the death of his longtime bodyguard, Corporal Jonah Kemboi Rotich, who passed away after a prolonged battle with multiple health challenges.
In a heartfelt message shared on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Namwamba described Rotich as more than just a security aide, calling him a cherished brother and true friend who had been by his side for 18 years.
“Rotich has rested after a battle with multiple health challenges, a battle he has borne with admirable courage and stoicism. We are devastated by this painful loss and commit his soul to the Good Lord as we pray that his family finds comfort in the bosom of Christ,”
Rotich will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 3, at his home in Eldoret.
Namwamba reflected on their close personal and professional relationship, highlighting the deep bond they shared despite coming from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“For eighteen years, Corporal Jonah Kemboi Rotich has been more than just a trusted security aide to me. He has been a cherished brother and a true friend. Family in every sense. Professional yet humane, humble yet firm, loyal and honest beyond a morsel of doubt,” he said.
He further noted that their relationship was a testament to unity beyond ethnic divisions, stating that Rotich felt at home among the Mulembe Nation of Western Kenya, just as Namwamba felt embraced in Rotich’s Kalenjin community in Cherangany and Eldoret.
“Indeed, Rotich has felt as much at home among the Mulembe Nation of Ingo/Western as I have felt among his Kitwek backyard of Cherangany and Eldoret. A living testimony of how to forge a unified nation beyond myopic profiling and puerile ethnic jingoism,” Namwamba added. K24 Digital+3Kenyans+3Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+3
The passing of Corporal Rotich comes nearly two months after the death of George Oduor, a longtime aide to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on April 2 after being hospitalized for two weeks.
Namwamba’s tribute underscores the profound impact Rotich had on his life and the deep sense of loss felt by his family and colleagues.
“Eternal rest grant unto brother Jonah Kemboi Rotich, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen,” he concluded.
