President William Ruto has paid tribute to United Democratic Alliance Deputy Secretary-General Daniel Ole Sambu, saying the country has lost a committed leader whose loyalty to public service and the party left a lasting mark. Ole Sambu died on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
In his message of condolence, Ruto described Ole Sambu as “a devoted and patriotic leader whose wisdom and insight will be missed.”
He added: “Daniel Ole Sambu, the UDA Deputy Secretary-General, was a gentleman and a solid grassroots mobiliser. He was a steadfast UDA leader who subscribed to mature and progressive politics. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the UDA fraternity. Rest in peace, Ole Sambu.”
Ole Sambu, a well-known political organiser from Kajiado County, took up the role of UDA Deputy Secretary-General during the party’s internal restructuring before the 2022 General Election.
He was central in shaping outreach efforts in pastoralist counties, where political direction often changes between election cycles.
Working within the party’s national secretariat, he linked elected leaders and community networks to strengthen UDA’s ground operations.
These efforts helped consolidate support that saw UDA secure a majority in both the National Assembly and Senate in 2022, anchoring its place as the main party in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Beyond party activities, he often raised issues affecting pastoralist communities, focusing on fair resource allocation, livestock markets, education for children in remote areas, and safety along county boundaries, which remain key concerns for the Maasai community.
His passing comes as UDA prepares for grassroots elections, a process where he was expected to take a lead role in planning and coordination.
The party is expected to release details on burial plans, accompanied by tributes from Kenya Kwanza leaders. Due to his national role and close ties within the party structure, several Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, MPs and officials are expected to attend the burial once arrangements are completed.