Lydia was a loving wife, a wonderful, caring and supportive mum and a doting grandmother whose kindness amazed even her own family. Of her selfless nature, her daughters remember the days when she gave out their clothes to the neighbours and whenever the girls complained she would smile and quip “imoche kolach ne ichek?” A career teacher, Lydia’s drive to instruct the young went beyond the classroom. To her grandchildren, the most memorable moments were when she taught them to read and write. ‘Shosh’ taught them how to do subtraction and addition using sticks. And not only was she an effective teacher, but she was also a fun-loving and cheerful grandma who played with her grandchildren.

Born on July 5, 1951 at Cheborge village, Bureti sub-county in Kericho County, Lydia was the seventh child of the late Pastor Johana Komingoi Belyon and Borness Tapelgaa Belyon. She was a sister of Zeddy Rogony, Silvia Kimetto, the late Titus Komingoi, Rodha Langat, Lucy Keronyei, Mary Langat, the late Walter Komingoi, Ann Kosgei (twin sister), Grace Chepkener, the late Fred Komingoi and Benny Komingoi.

She got married to Alexander Kirui in 1983 and they had four children: Joyce Chebet Chelang'a Wanjohi, Stella (Simran) Chepkemoi Sum, Dennis (Mark) Kipkemoi Tonui and Patrick Cheruiyot Tonui.

She was a mother-in-law of Richard Wanjohi and Daniel Sum, as well as a grandmother to Daisy Wanjiku, Ishmael Ndege, Rayyan Sum, Naylaa Sum and an aunt to many.

Lydia began her education at Cheborge Primary School and sat for her CPE examination at Tepkutwet Primary School in 1970. She was admitted to St Brigids Girls High School, Kiminini in 1971 where she completed her O-Levels in 1974. She trained as a P1 teacher at Shanzu TTC. She first taught at Ngororga Primary School and was later transferred to Kipsonoi Primary School in 1986 where she taught until she retired in 2015.

Upon retirement, she settled at her Kapchorwa farm where she practiced mixed farming. She proved to be an active farmer and planted various types of trees. She was an active Christian and a member of AIC church.

Mama Lydia Chepkirui Belyon died at 12.15am on August 23, 2018 after ailing for a while. She was buried on September 1 at Kapchorwa in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County.