TENGECHA HAKUTEZA TALAI, ALIWAZAIDIA KUTOKA GWASSI

Senior Chief Kipsang ‘Cheborge’ arap Tengecha was born in 1892 at Masarian village, Belgut Constituency in Kericho County. He was fondly known as “Kiprany-tich”, a name that was coined from his strong stance against colonial repression and oppression. He was a son of Tengecha arap Leel of Kapchamogondeek clan and Tamusok chepo Mososwo. Despite not receiving any formal education, Tengecha was able to read and write. He could also speak fluent Kiswahili, Ekegusii, Dholuo, Maasai and some little English.

His capacity to read and write on top of his multilinguistic talent earned him a rare position in the colonial public service as a court interpreter locally “Mtaptayat” in Kericho Law Courts. His diligence matched his intelligence in service delivery as a government translator. Tengecha was transferred to Kerendei in Maasai land on the same capacity having mastered the Maa language in 1921.

Following his sheer performance as an interpreter for close to thirteen years, he was promoted to the position of Chief of Bomet location in 1934 where he served with flair and glare for nine consecutive years. Tengecha excelled in his new position as an administrator and became the apple of the colonial masters’ eyes.

In 1943, the legendary chief went back to his motherland taking over from the then ageing Chief Ezekiel arap Roronya as the Chief for Bureti Location where he served until his retirement in 1961. At this time, he was assisted by arap Komuilong, father to the former powerful permanent secretary in Moi’s era Hon Zakayo Cheruiyot.