Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso has passed away while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
Her death comes just moments after doctors attending to her had restricted visits. She had been placed under full-time bed rest.
Laboso's death came in as a shock at a time her communications director had assured her people that she was responding well to treatment.
“The governor is recuperating and is under observation by her doctors who have recommended [for] her enough rest and limited visitation for a speedy recovery,” read a statement from Bomet County Communications Director Ezra Kirui.
The Governor who had been outside the country in India and the United Kingdom for treatment returned about a fortnight ago.
She had been battling with cancer which her family kept a secret.
Here are some of the condolence messages Kenyans on Social Media posted following the news;