A sombre mood engulfed the county government of Bomet Headdquarters this morning as members of staff from across the departments converged for prayers to mourn their departed colleague, the late CPA Erick Chepkwony who passed on yesterday.

Until his demise, the late Chepkwony was the Chief Officer, Finance and Economic Planning and was also the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) national Vice Chairman.

During the solemn function, speaker after speaker described the late CO as a friendly colleague who discharged his official duties with commitment and utmost humility that saw him rise from the position of a ward administrator to a Chief Officer.

While leading the staff in the emotional event, DG Shadrack Rotich, standing in for Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok, said that the unfortunate news had not only shatttered him but had also ripped apart the entire staff of the county government of Bomet.

“We received the sad news with utter shock and disbelief, and we are yet to even process how it all happened in a flash”, said the DG.

“We send our deepest sympathies to his family, the people of Bomet county and the KTDA fraternity following this sad incident. It is our prayer that the almighty God gives everyone of us the strength and the fortitude to bear this loss”, added the DG.

Bishop Augustine Rugutt of the Gospel Power Ministries, led the prayers.

Meanwhile, Governor Professor Hillary Barchok led other leaders from Bomet in condoling with the family of the late Chepkwony in their Nairobi home, last evening.

In his message of condolence, the governor said he had lost not just his staff but a trusted friend who served the people of Bomet with a lot of hardwork and commitment.

Prof. Barchok added that the county government of Bomet will stand with the family all through this difficult moment.

Among the leaders who accompanied him included Speaker of the County assembly of Bomet Cosmas Korir, nominated senator Joyce Korir, PS Aurelia Rono, MCAs, CECs and COs.