FORMER GOVERNOR ASPIRANT IS DEAD.

Prominent Seasons group of hotels owner Daniel Taleng’o ole Kiptunen is dead.

According to the family sources, Kiptunen, 67, passed on Tuesday morning enroute to Avenue clinic after complaining of chest pain.

Kiptunen, who hails from Kilgoris in Narok County, was the CEO and the founder of Seasons Restaurants and Hotels.

The hotels under the group are Seasons Hotel Narok, Seasons Airport hotel, Mara Sun Lodge, Farmers Hotel in Kilgoris and Seasons Elementaita Country Lodge.

The body is at Mbagathi Hospital mortuary.

He ventured into the hospitality industry in 1999 after starting Aviation Services Limited between 1996 and 1998.

Kiptunen was the managing director of Air East Africa for two years and before that, he was the General Manager Kenya Airports, Kenya Airways from 1989 to 1994.He was also Nairobi Airport Manager for KLM, Swissair and SAS Airlines.

The hotelier held a Diploma in Hotel Management, Airlines Operations, Airlines Management and BSC in Business Administration.

In the 2013 general election, he tried his luck in the governor seat on an independent ticket but lost to the incumbent Samuel Tunai.

In 2002 and 2007 polls, the hotelier vied for Kilgoris parliamentary seat but lost to the current MP Gideon Konchellah.

While sending a message of condolence, David Mpatiany , chairman Narok Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the county has lost a humble and dedicated leader who will be admired for his great contributions to the Maasai community and this nation.

“Today a dark cloud has engulfed the Maasai community after a sudden demise of a great mind. His legacy will stand as an example for all who have been fighting for the rights of the community,” said Mpatiany.

Source: The Star.co.ke