Meet Al Haji Abdulahi Kiptanui, a prominent figure in the Kericho region known for his political involvement and trade union work.
Respected by both the national and county governments due to his extensive experience serving the community at the Kericho Kipsigis County Council, he is often sought after for his insights on various issues affecting the region and the nation.
Despite his advanced age, Kiptanui stands out from the crowd in Kericho town. His vast knowledge and understanding of the town’s history make him a cherished personality among the locals.
In a recent interview with KNA, Kiptanui shared that he was born in 1949 in Bomet County but has lived most of his life in Kericho. His parents moved to Kericho, where he attended the Kericho County Township primary school and continued his intermediate studies there.
However, financial constraints forced him to drop out of school in 1963 and seek employment. Luckily, he secured a temporary job at Chamogodany Hospital in 1966. Shortly after, he became a caretaker at the Kericho Green Stadium, where he fondly remembers planting and nurturing numerous trees during his two-year tenure. He left the job following a disagreement with the then-Kericho District Commissioner.
In 1967, Kiptanui joined the Kenya United Tenants Union and was elected as the deputy national secretary in 1968. The union advocated for tenants’ rights and fought against landlord exploitation. Unfortunately, the organization faced opposition and was eventually banned by the late Attorney General Charles Njonjo, who was influenced by powerful government officials with vested interests in rental properties.
Despite these setbacks, Kiptanui’s determination and passion for making a difference led him to enter politics. In 1969, he won a by-election and became a councillor at the Kipsigis County Council. This marked the beginning of his 40-year tenure as a civic leader, during which he served on various committees, contributing to the development of the region.
During the late 70s, Kiptanui joined KANU and, in 1985, was elected as its South Rift organizing secretary. He worked under the chairmanship of the late Isaac Salat, who was an assistant minister in the Office of the President. He later resigned from his position in March 2016.
Before fully immersing himself in politics, Kiptanui was an enthusiastic footballer and even became a FIFA referee from 1977 to 1987, allowing him to travel across Africa for football-related duties.
However, his passion for football also resulted in injuries, and he recently underwent surgery on his left knee. He now relies on a walking aid and hopes to raise funds for another knee surgery.
Throughout his four-decade-long political career, Kiptanui admired several leaders, including Dr. Taaita arap Toweett, Mr. Kimunai Soi, Isaac Salat, Professor Jonathan Ngeno, and the late Kipkelion MP Moses Kiprono Keino.
Despite his advancing age, Kiptanui remains actively involved in various activities. He currently serves as the elected branch secretary of the Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers Union (KUCFAW) and chairs the Kericho Interfaith Peace Network, which advocates for peaceful coexistence among communities in the South Rift. Additionally, he was formerly the Deputy National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM).
