Gideon Sitelu Konchellah, a former Member of Parliament for Kilgoris, has died after suffering a heart attack while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
Born into a politically influential family, Konchellah began his leadership journey at a young age and went on to build a long career in public life.
He served as the Member of Parliament for Kilgoris for several terms, contesting on various party tickets over the course of his career, including PNU and URP.
Konchellah was also remembered for his long-running political rivalry with former Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno. The two leaders often found themselves in opposing camps, each seeking to assert influence in the politics of Transmara.
President William Ruto paid tribute to the former legislator on his X account, describing him as a leader who understood his work in public service and who touched the lives of many people.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula mourned him as a defender of the people, while Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku praised him for leading the residents of Kilgoris with courage.
In Kilgoris, family, friends and residents continued to mourn his passing, with one describing him as a peacemaker who had helped restore calm in the area during a period of conflict. Plans for his burial have already begun.