Julie Chepkoech Bett, a 46-year-old lecturer at Rongo University's School of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, has died after a prolonged battle with ovarian cancer. She passed away on September 26, 2026, at Coptic Hospital in Nairobi. Bett was attached to the Department of Business Tourism and Hospitality at the university. Her death was announced by the university and shared by her family on Facebook on September 29, 2026.
The university community and her family are mourning her loss. Bett was the daughter of Bishop Dr. Jimmy Bett and Rev. Florence Bett, founders of Faith Heaven Church in Kericho. Her passing has drawn condolences from both the academic community and the church congregation in Kericho. Daily funeral meetings are being held at the family home in Chebwagan, Kericho county, as relatives and friends gather to pay their respects.
Funeral arrangements have been set for Chebwagan Primary School in Kericho County on Saturday, October 3, 2026. A funds drive to offset funeral expenses is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 2 pm at her father's home in Chebwagan. Well-wishers can contribute via Paybill number 4813649, using their name as the account reference. The cortege will depart Siloam Hospital in Kericho on October 3, 2026, at 9 am.
The university announced her death, saying, "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Julie Chepkoech Bett following a long battle with ovarian cancer." Bett had been battling the illness for a long period before her death. The university community has expressed shock and sadness at her passing.
In a separate incident, the University of Eldoret deputy vice-chancellor Prof. Phillip Raburu died on September 28, 2026. Students remembered him as a mentor and father figure. The student forum said Raburu's dedication to research, innovation, and student growth would not be forgotten.
The circumstances surrounding Raburu's death were not publicly disclosed. However, the university community extended its condolences to Raburu's family, the management, staff, and fellow students. The university and the academic community are mourning the loss of two prominent figures.
Julie Chepkoech Bett's burial will take place on October 3, 2026, at Chebwagan Primary School in Bureti Sub-county, Kericho County. The funeral service will be attended by colleagues, students, and well-wishers who want to pay their respects to the late lecturer.
Key points
- Julie Chepkoech Bett, a 46-year-old lecturer at Rongo University, died after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
- Funeral arrangements have been set for October 3, 2026, at Chebwagan Primary School in Kericho County.
- The university community and her family are mourning her loss, with condolences pouring in from colleagues, students, and church congregation.
