Wonders of Sergoit Hills

The modern Uasin Gishu has seen several visionary figures transform agriculture through entrepreneurial ingenuity and a passion for value addition. One standout pioneer is George Kiprono Kili, whose journey from a Form Two dropout to a celebrated agricultural entrepreneur epitomizes transformational change in the region. Kili began his career under difficult circumstances, leaving school early to work as a mechanic. However, his determination led him to seize opportunities in farming by leasing land and gradually building his own agricultural empire. Kili’s approach was marked by overcoming traditional market challenges—local farmers often received meager prices from middlemen—and he innovatively responded by establishing value addition enterprises. His creation of Buffalo Millers, a maize milling plant, helped stabilize local markets by providing farmers with a profitable outlet for their produce. Kili didn't stop there; he also ventured into wheat milling under the brand “Mfalme,...

 By William Kiptoo Yesterday, I shared a post about Eldoret’s old cemetery, tucked behind Kipchoge Stadium. The reactions were mixed: Some agreed with my sentiments, some mocked me, while others seemed to think I was just stirring up forgotten bones for fun. But this conversation is worth having, and it deserves a moment of sincere reflection. Well, the truth is, Eldoret’s cemeteries, once solemn grounds of remembrance, are slowly slipping into neglect. The graves, hidden behind Kipchoge Stadium and those scattered across the town are burial sites that hold the silent stories of generations past—pioneers, colonial settlers, early African residents, war veterans, and ordinary families who helped shape the town’s rich and diverse history. Today, many of these cemeteries are overgrown, vandalized, or completely forgotten. Cemeteries are more than places to mourn the dead; they are archives of memory, identity, and community. Every grave tells a story. Every name etched in stone is a p...

 By William Kiptoo I recently walked to the Christian cemetery near Kipchoge stadium in Eldoret, to search for my father's resting place. There was no sign--his name, a marker, or anything. The cemetery had fallen into ruin. Graves are overgrown with weeds. The few headstones that had once stood in dignity had either crumbled or been stolen. And to my horror, the land had become a drying field for maize. Maize was spread across graves like laundry. Farmers walked across the dead, tossing cobs and laughing as though nothing sacred lay beneath their feet. That day I was heartbroken! How did we come to this? In many African traditions, the dead are honored. Their spirits are remembered. Their graves are sacred. But at Kipchoge cemetery, the dead lie in silence as the living trample over their bones for convenience. A society that forgets its dead forgets itself. It forgets the sacrifice, the love, the hopes of those who came before. When we vandalize their resting places, we not only...

 By William Kiptoo There is a Kalenjin proverb that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among politicians seeking to mobilize ethnic support: "Matiny ngo samis muryan kobo kot nebo." Roughly translated, it means: "Even if a rat is rotten, it belongs to the house it comes from." In contemporary political contexts, this proverb has been reduced to a simplistic and often harmful message: always support your own—your tribe—no matter what. It has become a rallying cry for blind ethnic loyalty, leading to support for individuals based solely on tribal identity, even when they are unworthy of leadership or integrity. However, this is a misrepresentation of the proverb's true origin and deeper meaning. The Origin Story Renowned Kalenjin secular artist Kipchamba, in one of his songs, narrates the true origin of this saying. It’s a tale of family, reconciliation, and the enduring bond of brotherhood. Long ago, there were two brothers who were very close. Bu...

By William Kiptoo  Bismilahi Lengut hotel, located at the corner of Moi and Oloo Streets in the heart of Eldoret town was established in the 1970s. This unassuming eatery has been a cherished stopover for thousands seeking a warm cup of tea, hearty snacks, and a sense of community. Regarded as one of Eldoret’s oldest eateries, Bismilahi Lengut has not only fed the town’s residents and visitors for decades but also served as an important meeting point—especially for members of the Marakwet community. For years, it was a central hub for those traveling to and from the Tot and Endo areas, a place where people gathered daily to catch up on news from the valley. The origins of the hotel’s ownership remain a subject of speculation. Some believe it belonged to a prominent Eldoret businessman the late Ahmed Arap Sisiwo while other believe it belongs to notable Kalenjin personalities. However, the face most closely associated with the hotel’s legacy is  Salim Mbarak Sr. , a respected b...