President William Ruto has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Daniel Ole Sambu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance, who died on December 11, 2025, with Ruto describing him as a principled leader whose contributions will be deeply missed.
Ruto stated in a statement that Kenya had lost a devoted and patriotic leader, whose wisdom and insight will be greatly missed.
Daniel Ole Sambu, the UDA Deputy Secretary-General, was a gentleman and a skilled grassroots activist. He was a committed leader of the UDA who subscribed to advanced and forward-thinking ideologies. Our sympathies are with the family, friends and the UDA fraternity. Ruto said, “Rest in peace, Ole Sambu.”
A respected political organiser from Kajiado County, Ole Sambu, was named the UDA Deputy Secretary-General in anticipation of the party’s restructuring before the 2022 General Election. He played a crucial part in establishing the party’s influence in pastoralist counties, particularly in areas where political allegiance has historically been fluid.
He worked closely with elected leaders and community networks as part of the party’s national secretariat to strengthen UDA’s grassroots mobilization strategy. His efforts played a significant role in the UDA winning a majority in both the National Assembly and Senate in 2022, solidifying its position as the dominant party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Sambu actively spoke out on issues impacting pastoralist communities, frequently advocating for fair resource allocation, livestock marketplaces, education access, and security along inter-county borders, concerns that are crucial to the Maasai community.
At the time of his death, UDA was gearing up for grassroots polls, with Sambu poised to take charge of the central coordinating effort.
Kenya Kwanza party leaders are anticipated to release an official statement outlining burial preparations and additional commemorations.
Given his national role and close working relationship with senior UDA officials, several Cabinet Secretaries, MPs, Senators, and party officials are anticipated to attend his funeral service once the arrangements are completed.
