Leon Kiptum Kidombo, a prominent figure in Kenya’s fintech and business community, has died at the age of 44. The former Senior Vice President for East Africa at Flutterwave passed away on the night of Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Widely respected for his leadership in digital finance, Kiptum played a central role in expanding Flutterwave’s presence across East Africa before stepping down from his corporate role in June 2025. In a farewell post on LinkedIn, he cited personal and health reasons for his departure.
“After two impactful years, I’ve decided to exit Flutterwave. This decision stems from a blend of personal and professional aspirations, including prioritizing my health journey, which many in my network know I’ve been actively addressing. My time at Flutterwave, a fintech unicorn scaling its way into continental leadership, has been incredibly insightful,” he wrote.
Kiptum’s tenure at Flutterwave was marked by regional growth and stronger engagement with banks, businesses, and regulators. Known for his calm, collaborative leadership, he was instrumental in positioning the company within key East African markets.
Beyond his role at Flutterwave, Kiptum served on the board of the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), where he chaired the Marketing, Membership & Partnerships Committee. He helped grow the organization’s membership base and improve coordination within the country’s fintech sector.
He also co-founded Rigour Africa and CDI Africa, two platforms focused on coaching and leadership development. As a certified coach and consultant, Kiptum worked with founders, executives, and professionals navigating complex transitions. His coaching practice, grounded in structure and reflection, became a trusted resource for many in the industry.
Kiptum was also a consistent voice on leadership, innovation, and the future of African finance, contributing insights through regular online writing and public engagements.
He is survived by his three children, two sons and a daughter, whom he often described as his greatest motivation. The family is expected to share details about funeral arrangements and memorial plans in the coming days.
