Leon Kiptum Kidombo

INTRODUCTION:

Today we celebrate the life of a great man; Leon Kiptum Kidombo. A remarkable soul whose presence lit up every room, whose heart touched many, and whose legacy lives on in the lives of all who knew him. It is not easy to say goodbye to someone so vibrant, so full of life. The weight of this loss is immense because Kiptum meant so much to so many. A devoted father, a loving husband, a treasured son, a loyal friend, a dedicated colleague, a mentor, and a leader. Yet even in our sorrow, we choose to honour not just the sadness of his passing, but the immense joy of his presence, a man of unbounded conviction, effortless charisma, and undeniable light.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:

Leon Kiptum Kidombo was born on 13th January 1983. He began his education at Moi Primary School in Nakuru and completed his primary schooling at Molo Academy. He later joined Kabarak High School, before transferring to Lenana School to complete his secondary education. He pursued his university studies at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL LEGACY:

Leon built an extraordinary career spanning banking, digital transformation, and fintech, marked by bold decisions, tireless ambition, and visionary leadership. His first job was at Barclays Bank, which laid the foundation for an illustrious path in the financial sector.

He rose through the ranks at Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), where his leadership and work ethic were widely recognized. He later joined Credit Bank and also played a pivotal role in leading digital transformation efforts at Family Bank. True to his dynamic nature, Kiptum seamlessly transitioned into the world of fintech, where he held leadership positions at Betway, Chipper Cash, and most recently, Flutterwave. Kiptum was not only a strategic thinker but a risk-taker of the highest order. He moved through boardrooms and brainstorming sessions with equal brilliance. His career is a testament to vision, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

PERSONAL LIFE AND FAMILY:

Leon was the heartbeat of his family. He is survived by: His loving wife Adho Galgalo, his unwavering partner in life, his four beloved children: Kipkalya Kamuren Kiptum, Kipkelwon Kigen Kiptum, Jemutai Kaptuya Kiptum, & Jerop Lelo Kiptum (fondly nicknamed “Cheraindrops”).

To his wife, he was a partner in the truest sense; present, passionate, loyal. To his children, he was a guide, protector, instructor, and relentless cheerleader, always steady through stormy weathers and sunny days alike. To his siblings, he was a leader, uplifter, and trusted friend. To his mother, Prof. Harriet Jepchumba Kidombo, he was everything.

PERSONALITY AND IMPACT:

Leon was a force of nature, a constellation of confidence, grace, and ambition. His energy was unmistakable, his presence magnetic. He didn’t need to introduce himself; you felt him. He never stopped learning, never stopped growing, and he inspired everyone around him to do the same. His colleagues knew him as a visionary leader who led with integrity, humility, and genuine care for others.

He was:

A mentor to many.

A competitor who played fair.

A standard-bearer for truth, dignity, and hard work.

A connector and a bringer of laughter.

A man of honesty, patience, and deep values.

LEGACY:

Leon’s life was not defined by a single moment or achievement; it was defined by a legacy. A legacy of leadership, not just by title, but by example. A legacy of relationships, nurtured across boardrooms and breakfast tables. A legacy of character, where brilliance was balanced with humility and empathy. A legacy of impact; in every life he touched, every institution he transformed, and every lesson he passed on. Even in his absence, Leon continues to live on in our stories, our memories, and our hearts.

FINAL TRIBUTE:

So today, we say farewell, not to the light, but to the form that carried it. Leon Kiptum Kidombo, your story does not end here. It continues in every person you mentored, every colleague you inspired, and every child you loved. It lives on in every spark of courage and every quiet act of integrity your life modelled for us. May you rest in peace, as boundless as the life you so fearlessly lived.