West Pokot County, located in Kenya’s Rift Valley region, is known for its rugged beauty, resilient people, and extraordinary talent in leadership and athletics. From government officials to global marathon champions, the county is home to individuals whose success stories transcend borders.
This article ranks the Top 10 Richest People in West Pokot County, with verified details on their professions, impact, and estimated net worth in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) and U.S. Dollars (USD).
1. Prof. John Krop Lonyangapuo – KSh 500 Million / $3.5 Million
Academic & Politician | Real Estate, Agriculture
Prof. Lonyangapuo is a former governor and ex-Permanent Secretary for Industrialization. With a PhD in applied mathematics, he transitioned from academia to politics. His investments span land, teaching, and agricultural ventures across the county.
2. Simon Kachapin – KSh 400 Million / $2.8 Million
Governor | Public Service, Land Investments
Governor Simon Kachapin has held office across two electoral cycles, with achievements including the founding of Kapenguria University Campus. He has accumulated wealth through public service, private investments, and infrastructural contracts.
3. Samuel Poghisio – KSh 350 Million / $2.45 Million
Senator & Parliamentarian | Public Administration
A career politician, Poghisio served as Senate Majority Leader and held multiple ministerial roles. His long political career has been the cornerstone of his income, supported by landholdings and consultancy work.
4. Samuel Moroto – KSh 300 Million / $2.1 Million
MP & Educator | Education Sector, Land Ownership
Samuel Moroto, MP for Kapenguria, previously worked in education and unions. Known for his grassroots activism and investment in local institutions, he owns farms and residential units in West Pokot and Eldoret.
5. Julius Murgor – KSh 250 Million / $1.75 Million
Former Senator | Legislative Work, Agriculture
Julius Murgor has served in Kenya’s Senate and held senior government roles. A respected elder, his wealth comes from agriculture, salaries, and pension as a long-time public servant.
6. Tegla Loroupe – KSh 200 Million / $1.4 Million
Olympic Athlete & Peace Ambassador | Endorsements, Charity
Tegla Loroupe is a global athletics icon and founder of the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. Her wealth stems from prize money, speaking engagements, endorsements (including Nike), and land donated for peace-building programs.
7. Lonah Chemtai Salpeter – KSh 150 Million / $1.05 Million
International Athlete | Race Earnings, Sponsorships
Lonah, born in West Pokot, now represents Israel in international marathons. Her victories in Europe and Asia have earned her prize money and sponsorship deals, elevating her into the millionaire club.
8. Philomena Cheyech – KSh 100 Million / $700,000
Marathon Runner | Athletics Prize Money, Farming
Cheyech has won several international races, including the Commonwealth Games marathon. She has used her earnings to build homes and invest in livestock farming within the county.
9. Helena Kirop – KSh 90 Million / $630,000
Athlete | Prize Winnings, Property Development
A champion marathoner, Helena Kirop has achieved success in European races and is known for her resilience. Her investments include property development and community projects in West Pokot.
10. Marko Cheseto – KSh 80 Million / $560,000
Para-athlete | U.S. Endorsements, Motivational Speaking
Marko Cheseto, a double amputee marathoner, is an inspirational figure in the U.S. His motivational speaking tours, endorsements, and marathon records have earned him both fame and financial success.
Conclusion
The richest people in West Pokot County represent a tapestry of determination, resilience, and impact. Whether through government service, athletics, or advocacy, they’ve placed West Pokot on the global map. Their wealth is not only financial—it is seen in the communities they uplift, the peace they champion, and the legacies they build.
