Kipsang Arap Tengecha: The Linguist Senior Chief (Kipsigis community)

The sun was starting to set on Kipsang arap Tengecha’s life and as he reflected, he couldn’t help but beam with pride. He had done well for himself. Although the white man had placed so much emphasis on formal education, he had achieved great things without attending the white man’s school.

Born in the early 1890’s, Kipsaang arap Tengecha, alias Cherbogei was born to Tengecha arap Leel from Kapchemagondeet clan and Tamusok chepo Mososwo in Masarian village in Kericho County, among the Kipsigis people.
When he was of age, he was circumcised into the Nyongi age set. He learned to read and write without any formal education. He could speak fluent Maasai, Ekegusii, Luo, Swahili and little English.

A mischievous grin appeared on Kipsang’s face as he thought about his four wives. There was his darling Sofiah Tabarng’etuny kobot Johana, his first wife whom he married in 1914 at Masarian. Together, they had six sons. There was his sweet Tabrangwe kobot Lois, his second wife whom he married in Bomet and had four sons and seven daughters with her. There was his third wife, the amazing Tabutany kobot Lezebeth whom he married when still in Bomet in 1927 and was blessed with six sons and five daughters. Finally, there was his fourth wife (whom he inherited), his angel Roda Tapkoligee chepo Mapengo who begot him four sons one from the first marriage and three with chief Cheborgei arap Tengecha. His wives had borne him enough children to make the men in his village ever so envious of the power of his seed.

Kipsang was no stranger to hard work. His first employment was in the District Commissioner’s office in Kericho as an official government translator. In 1921 he was transferred to Kerendei in Maasailand in the same capacity. He worked as a government translator for almost thirteen years. He was then promoted to be an administrator in Bomet where he served with diligence for nine consecutive years. In 1943 when the ageing chief Ezekiel arap Roronya retired, Chief Cheborgei arap Tengecha was transferred to Bureti.
Anger and frustration welled up inside Kipsang when he remembered how he tried to help his people but they continuously shunned him because they thought he had forsaken them in favour of his colonial masters. He tried introducing cattle insemination to prevent Rinderpest but his people refused. He also tried branding the cattle to guard them against theft but again, none of his people listened to him.

In the fading light of his final moments, Kipsang caught sight of the certificate he received in Edinburg, England, after climbing to the top of The Great Scott Monument as well as the Member of the British Empire medal he received in 1961. Kipsang closed his eyes and felt the tiredness leave his body. His time had come and he was done fighting. He opened his eyes and took it all in for the last time and giving up a great sigh, Kipsang Arap Tengecha breathed his last. The date was July 5, 1978.

Kipsang is remembered for many things. When the colonial government gave him a large tract of land, from Togomiin up to Chebilat, he declined and suggested that he be given the same portion as everyone else. He went ahead and identified where a school would be built. This is where the famous Tengecha Schools are situated. He also initiated the construction of Kapkateet historical grounds where landmark meetings and decisions have been made. Chief Tengecha taught his people the importance of protecting the environment through planting of trees. He personally instructed two pioneer agricultural assistants Elijah arap Ng’asura and Chelogoi arap Kormom to establish a tree nursery where people could obtain seedlings for free. Araap Tengecha started Kapkateet shops in 1944.

Many good things today are accredited to this great Kipsigiis colonial administrator. Cheborgei arap Tengecha set aside enough land for the establishment of schools, health institutions, stadia, urban centers and human settlements.

Bonus Information
Tengecha Boys High School and Tengecha Girls High School are among the top performing schools in Kericho county. Kericho County is home to the best of Kenyan Tea which is renowned worldwide for its taste. Some of the largest tea companies including Unilever Kenya, James Finlay and Williamson Tea are based here. It is also home to the popular Ketepa brand.