The Samburu County Assembly and the residents of Porro Ward are in mourning following the sudden death of their Member of County Assembly (MCA), Hon. Patrick Lerte.
Hon. Lerte passed away at dawn on Sunday, December 28, 2025, while undergoing emergency treatment at the Maralal Referral Hospital. The news was confirmed via an internal memo sent to the House by the Samburu County Assembly Clerk, Fred Leparleen, who described the loss as a dark cloud over the third assembly.
Sudden Passing: Heart Attack Suspected
While an official medical report is pending, sources close to the family indicate that Hon. Lerte is believed to have suffered a sudden heart attack. The news has sent shockwaves through Maralal, as the MCA had been actively participating in community duties as recently as Friday.
A humble but firm legislator, Hon. Lerte was a key member of the Committee on Appointments and the Liaison Committee within the assembly. He was widely respected for his ability to bridge the gap between the executive and the people of Porro.
Leadership Reactions: “A Humble Servant”
Leaders from across the political divide have begun sending their condolences. Samburu North MP Eli Letipila was among the first to react, describing Lerte as a dedicated public servant whose focus was always on service delivery rather than political theatrics.
“Hon. Lerte was a man of the people. His sudden departure leaves a void in the Samburu County Assembly that will be hard to fill. My heart goes out to the people of Porro Ward and his young family,” said Hon. Letipila.
Legacy in Porro Ward
In his three years in office, Patrick Lerte was known for:
- Youth Empowerment: Championing local bursaries and vocational training for school leavers in Porro.
- Service Delivery: Pushing for better infrastructure at the Maralal Referral Hospital the same facility where he took his final breath.
- Approachable Leadership: Residents often referred to him as a “leader without a gate,” noting his accessibility to his constituents.
Screenshot Courtesy
Residents of Porro Ward gathered on Sunday morning to honor the memory of a leader they described as ‘humble and approachable.’ PHOTO/Kenya Times Graphic
Next Steps: Official Burial Arrangements
The Samburu County Assembly Speaker, Steve Lenamarle, is expected to lead a delegation to the family home later today. Burial arrangements and a formal funeral program will be released by the Assembly’s burial committee in the coming days.
