Samson Kiprotich Cherarkey, popularly known as Kiprotich Arap Cherargei, is a prominent Kenyan politician who currently serves as the senator representing Nandi County in the Senate of Kenya.
Born in 1987 in Nandi County, he has become known for his active role in advocating for and supporting President William Ruto.
Cherargei has risen to prominence within the political landscape and has garnered significant attention for his dedication to public service.
Age
He is 36 years old as of 2023.
Education
Cherargei received his primary education at Cheptarit Primary School, Mosoriot, from 1996 to 2002.
He later attended Kapsabet Boys’ High School in Nandi County for his secondary education from 2003 to 2006.
After completing his high school studies, he pursued higher education at the prestigious School of Law of Moi University in Eldoret.
In 2011, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) honors degree. Following that, he enrolled at the Kenya School of Law for his Post Graduate Diploma in Law and successfully qualified as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
Wife
As of the available information, the personal life of Samson Cherarkey, including details about his wife and family, remains private.
Career
Much of Samson Cherargei career before entering politics is not widely known.
However, he made a significant move into the political arena during the 2017 general elections when he contested for the position of senator for Nandi County.
Running under the Jubilee party, he secured a victory and assumed the role of senator, representing the interests of the county in the Kenyan Senate.
In 2022, Cherarkey switched to a newfound political party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Despite the change in party affiliation, he remained popular and won re-election as the senator for Nandi County.
Scandals
Cherargei, a second-time senator and a prominent ally of President William Ruto, has never shied away from controversy.
He has stirred public debate and divided opinions by his utterances.
One notable incident occurred three years ago when Cherargei was arrested following his remarks at a funeral in Olessos.
During the funeral, Senator Cherargei made provocative statements that were captured in a short video clip, which circulated widely online.
In the clip, he warned William Ruto’s (then deputy president) detractors of potential repercussions for their actions.
“Those who are fighting the Deputy President, we (sic) are profiling you … if you fight [the] DP you’re fighting us. Don’t think he doesn’t have supporters,” Cherargei told mourners.
He added a stern message, declaring, “As his supporters, if you continue fighting the DP, we are marking you and profiling you. When the time comes, we will deal with you. Even the DP has supporters and should be respected.”
This incident is not the only one where Cherargei has been involved in contentious situations.
He has clashed with Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang over matters of governance in the county.
Moreover, Cherargei wasan outspoken critic of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which emerged after a handshake with Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He argued that the unity deal would hinder Ruto’s aspirations for the presidency.
Cherargei’s staunch support for President Ruto and his willingness to speak his mind on contentious issues have solidified his position as a key ally.
However, it has also made him a figure of controversy and attention in the Kenyan political landscape.
Salary
Samson Cherarkey has become one of the wealthiest politicians in Kenya.
It is reported that as a senator, he earns a substantial monthly salary of Ksh710000, as per the guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
