The parents of the late KCB Group Head of Data Protection, Rosemary Chemutai Koech Kimwatu, have rejected narratives circulating following her death, saying they have no doubts about the support she received from the bank during her career, illness, and after her death.
In a statement issued as the family continues to mourn Rosemary, her parents on Monday said KCB gave their daughter the space and support she needed to grow professionally and achieve her potential.
“We as the parents of Rosemary Koech, have no doubts in our minds that KCB accorded Rosemary all the necessary space and support to thrive and be the best she could in her career ladder,” the parents said.
Statement by Rosemary Koech’ parents. Photo/Kenya Digest
The family further said KCB remained supportive when Rosemary became ill and after her death, offering assistance whenever it was needed.
“In sickness and at her demise, KCB stood with the family and came through when help was required. We are forever grateful,” they said.
Their statement comes days after Rosemary’s death triggered an outpouring of grief across Kenya’s legal, banking, technology and data protection sectors.
Family rejects narratives
The parents appeared to distance themselves from claims and discussions circulating publicly about Rosemary’s workplace and the circumstances surrounding her death.
They said the narratives being shared do not represent the family’s position and asked the public to respect their wish to mourn privately.
“Whatever narratives are going on do not represent the family’s stance, and we wish to be allowed to mourn our dear child in peace,” the statement said.
The family has not publicly attributed Rosemary’s death to her workplace, and available reports have not established such a connection. Her cause of death has also not been publicly disclosed.
The late KCB data head Rosemary Koech. Photo/Screengrab
Rosemary’s career
Rosemary joined KCB in June 2022 as a Data Protection Officer after previously working at Safaricom as a Public Policy Manager.
She was promoted to Head of Data Protection in June 2023, taking responsibility for data protection compliance and governance across the KCB Group.
Beyond banking, she was active in Kenya’s technology policy and data governance space. She served as a trustee of KICTANet and participated in professional initiatives involving internet governance, fintech, and data protection.
Her work also earned professional recognition. In 2025, she was named Data Privacy Guardian of the Year at the ISACA Kenya Chapter awards while serving as KCB’s Head of Data Protection.
A view of a building displaying the KCB logo prominently above the entrance. Photo: Tuko Source: Facebook.
Rosemary died on August 21, 2026, with tributes subsequently coming from colleagues and professionals who worked with her across Kenya’s technology and financial sectors.
The parents’ statement now provides the clearest indication of the family’s position on KCB, with the family asking that attention remain on mourning Rosemary rather than on narratives they say do not represent their views.