Kipsitot, West Pokot County – Hundreds of mourners from across the North Rift Region gathered in solemn unity at Kipsitot village, Talau Location, to pay their final respects to the late Josiah Cheruiyot Piwot, a revered scholar and trailblazer who made history as the first Sengwer graduate from the University of Nairobi.
Piwot, who earned a Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture in 1978, was remembered for breaking educational barriers in the Sengwer community and West Pokot County. His academic journey began with distinction at Chewoyet High School, where he was among the top performers nationally, scoring a Division 1 in the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE).
During the funeral mass, Dr. Parklea, who studied alongside Piwot at the University of Nairobi, eulogised him as a brilliant mind and a beacon of hope for the Sengwer community. “He was part of the top cream from our region, and he carried the dreams of an entire generation,” said Dr. Parklea.
The funeral, officiated by Father Micah Kemboi Kibet, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Kitale, and Father Leonard Kimosop, parish priest at Makutano, was marked by deep emotion, Catholic hymns, and cultural performances. The late Piwot was hailed as a dedicated Catholic, having served as Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) at St. Lazarus Kipkorinya Catholic Church.
Josiah Piwot’s career in public service spanned decades and several regions. He began his career as an Animal Husbandry Officer II in Maranga in 1981, and then served as a Livestock Development Officer in Nyeri District in 1985. By 1990, he was stationed in Nandi as District Livestock Production Officer, before being promoted in 1997 to Head of the Dairy and Beef Branch at Hill Plaza in Nairobi, where he oversaw national policy matters related to dairy and beef production.
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In 2013, he made history again as the first County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Livestock and Fisheries in West Pokot County. Four years later, in 2017, he was appointed as the Director of Dairy Development, a position he held with distinction.
Until his passing, the late Piwot was actively engaged in preserving and promoting Sengwer identity and culture. He served as the National Coordinator of the Sengwer Council of Elders, Coordinator of the Sengwer Traditional Dancers Group, and Chairperson of the Board of the Sengwer Indigenous Community Trust.
A committed family man, he is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Chebet Saina, and their seven children, who stood by in grief and pride as the community honoured a man whose legacy is etched in both the academic and cultural history of West Pokot and beyond.
Representatives from the Sengwer Council of Elders paid glowing tribute, describing him as a unifying force and a lifelong champion of indigenous rights, education, and cultural dignity.
As the sun set over the green hills of Talau, one thing was clear: the life and contributions of Josiah Cheruiyot Piwot will continue to inspire generations of Sengwer youth to pursue excellence, service, and pride in their heritage.
By Martin Ruto
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