Bomet Mourns Selfless Principal Who Built a School from Scratch

In the misty highlands of Bomet County, where mornings bite with frost and hope once flickered dimly, one man dared to dream—for others.

Gibson Cheruiyot, the long-serving Principal of Ndaraweta Day Secondary School in Bomet Central, passed away recently, leaving behind more than just memories—he left behind a living, breathing testament to what one person’s dedication can do for a community.

In the early days, Ndaraweta was barely a school—a single classroom, 61 students, and limited hope. Today, thanks to Cheruiyot’s relentless efforts, it stands tall as a thriving institution with over 400 students, sending graduates to universities and colleges across the country. He wasn’t just a principal—he was a builder of futures.

“He was a visionary educator whose commitment to excellence in teaching and learning was evident in every aspect of his work,” said former Bomet Central MP Ronald Tonui, also a longtime friend and colleague. “He transformed a small school into a beacon of hope.”

But Cheruiyot’s story is not just about numbers—it’s about sacrifice. Each morning before the sun rose, he was there, supervising early prep sessions. It was during these cold dawn routines that he suffered frostbite, eventually losing some fingers—a physical reminder of the extremes he endured for his students.

“His commitment was unmatched,” Tonui shared. “He gave everything—even his own health—to make sure students got the best.”

Known for his discipline, integrity, and deep sense of purpose, Cheruiyot led not only with authority but with compassion. His students saw him as a mentor; his colleagues saw him as a pillar of professionalism. Beyond Ndaraweta, he also served in other schools like Litein Boys, touching lives and raising standards wherever he went.

“We were friends since our youth,” Tonui recalled. “He was highly principled, passionate about teaching, and serious about shaping lives. His death is a devastating loss to the education sector.”

Cheruiyot didn’t just teach—he inspired. Generations of students who once walked through the doors of a once-forgotten classroom are now professionals, educators, and leaders. His legacy is etched not only in the school’s walls, but in the lives of those he uplifted.

The pain of his loss ripples through the classrooms he once walked, the neighborhoods he served, and the hearts of those who knew him. From Cheswerta to the wider Bomet County, the community mourns a man who quietly became a hero.

“We have lost a servant leader,” Tonui said. “But we will carry his spirit forward—in every classroom, every lesson, and every life changed by education.”

As Bomet County bids farewell to one of its finest sons, the story of Gibson Cheruiyot will live on—as a reminder that true greatness comes not from position or wealth, but from service, sacrifice, and a heart full of hope.