Former Presidential Advisor Yerzhan Babakumarov Dies Following Altercation in Astana

Information about Yerzhan Babakumarov’s death was confirmed by Orda.kz sources.

According to police, the former official was involved in a verbal dispute with an acquaintance that escalated into a physical fight.

The conflict turned into a fight. As a result, the 56-year-old man (Yerzhan Babakumarov — Ed.) sustained fatal injuries and died. A criminal case on homicide has been opened,
 the capital’s police department said.

The suspect has been detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. The Prosecutor General’s Office is aware of the incident and has launched an inquiry, Deputy Prosecutor General Galymzhan Koigeldiyev confirmed.

Yerzhan Babakumarov began his career in the Almaty Akimat in the 1990s, later joining the presidential administration, where he oversaw domestic policy and led the information center under President Nursultan Nazarbayev. In 2006, he became Deputy Minister of Culture, and later served in the Prime Minister’s Office under Karim Massimov.

In 2019, he joined President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev’s team as an advisor. Before that, he served as Deputy Akim of Almaty, stepping down along with Bakytzhan Sagintayev. His most recent role was Director of the Presidential Central Communications Service.

Babakumarov was 56 years old. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

After the January 2022 events, Babakumarov largely withdrew from public life. He gave an interview back in the spring as a political commentator. In February 2025, he was arrested for drunk driving, and his driver’s license was revoked.

Original Author: Islambek Dastan