Leaders in Amudat District are mourning the death of Dorcus Chalein, the district councillor representing Persons with Disabilities, who died in Kenya on September 3, 2026.
Chalein had reportedly travelled to Kenya for specialised medical treatment after developing complications following a fall several months ago.
Peninah Cheruto, a district female councilor, said Chalein slipped and fell months ago and later developed an illness that required further medical attention. Cheruto said the family informed them that Chalein had been taken to a specialized hospital in Kenya for treatment.
Chalein is remembered as a strong advocate for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the community.
During her time on the district council, she raised concerns about discrimination, access to education and social services.
Amudat Resident District Commissioner Denis Okori described Chalein as a dedicated leader whose contribution to the district went beyond representing persons with disabilities.
“Dorcus was a committed leader who always spoke for the people she represented. Her death is a big loss to Amudat because she still had a lot to contribute to the development of our district,” Okori said.
Andrew Leru, the Chief Administrative Officer, said Chalein consistently brought issues affecting marginalised people to the attention of the district administration.
“She was a courageous councilor who did not keep quiet when she saw a problem. She constantly reminded us about the need to include persons with disabilities in government programmes and services,” Leru said.
Former Amudat LCV Chairperson Joseph Lobot said Chalein’s death had created a gap in local leadership, particularly in the representation of vulnerable people.
“Dorcus was a voice for people who sometimes have no one to speak for them. She challenged leaders to listen to the concerns of persons with disabilities, and that is a legacy we shall remember,” Lobot said.
Cheruto said Chalein was an active participant in discussions on social welfare, community development and environmental conservation.
“We have lost a colleague and a friend who believed that leadership must benefit every member of the community, including those living with disabilities. Her commitment to these issues will remain an example to us,” Cheruto said.
Julius Muntum, the LC3 Chairperson of Karita Sub-county, described Chalein as a grassroots leader who understood the challenges faced by ordinary residents. Dorcus was close to the people.
“She understood their problems and carried those concerns to the district council.
Her passing is therefore a loss not only to the council but to the entire community,” Muntum said.
Chalein’s advocacy for persons with disabilities was partly shaped by her own experience with disability. She had previously spoken about the stigma she faced after an accident left her with a broken leg, saying some members of her family viewed her disability negatively.
The experience later motivated her to advocate for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in education, government programmes and community decision-making.
Chalein also raised concerns about children with disabilities who were being excluded from education because of inadequate specialised facilities and learning materials.
Beyond disability advocacy, she spoke against teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Amudat, highlighting cultural and social practices that she believed contributed to the problem.
She was also involved in environmental conservation advocacy, particularly the protection of forests considered sacred and medicinal by the Pokot community.
For leaders and residents who worked with her, Chalein will be remembered for her determination to challenge discrimination and demand better services for marginalised members of society.
Her death leaves a gap in Amudat’s local leadership and representation of persons with disabilities. Burial arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
