The East African tech and fintech community is grappling with the heartbreaking news of Leon Kiptum Kidombo’s passing. Kiptum, who served as Senior Vice President for East Africa at Flutterwave until just two months ago, died on the night of Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at the age of 44. His sudden death has left a deep void in Kenya’s business, tech, and leadership circles.
More than just a corporate executive, Leon was a bridge-builder, helping scale digital finance, mentor rising leaders, and grow a more inclusive fintech ecosystem across the continent. He stepped down from his role at Flutterwave in June 2025, citing a desire to focus on his health and personal growth. In a reflective post on LinkedIn, he wrote:
“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…”
At Flutterwave, Kiptum was instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint across East Africa. He worked closely with banks, regulators, and businesses, blending quiet leadership with bold action.
Outside of corporate walls, Leon was deeply involved in ecosystem-building. He served as a board member at the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), where he chaired the Marketing, Membership & Partnerships Committee, driving community growth and policy dialogue.
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He also co-founded Rigour Africa and CDI Africa, two platforms focused on coaching, consulting, and leadership development. As a certified coach, Kiptum mentored startups and executives, helping them navigate the messy middle of growth, identity, and impact. His coaching was not fluff; it was structured, introspective, and deeply empowering.
He frequently shared his thoughts on digital transformation, innovation, leadership, and the future of African finance, adding much-needed depth to the often hype-filled conversations around tech.
Leon is survived by his three children, two sons and a daughter, whom he often referred to as his greatest source of strength and purpose. Funeral arrangements will be shared by the family in the coming days, as friends, colleagues, and collaborators across Africa continue to pay tribute to a man whose influence was felt far beyond titles.
