President William Ruto on Saturday joined the nation in mourning Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale’s wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, who died of a suspected heart attack.
Dr Khalwale broke the news on his official social media accounts at around 10.30 am and, two hours later, followed it with a passionate video eulogising her.
In the video, Dr Khalwale is comforted by friends and relatives as they view her body at the morgue.
“My dear wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, has this morning suddenly collapsed and died after a heart attack,” said Dr Khalwale.
President Ruto sent his condolences and those of the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, through his official social media accounts.
“We stand with Senator Khalwale and his family in this moment of immense grief. The loss of a spouse, companion and mother leaves a deep void, and we pray that God grants the family strength, comfort and peace as they mourn and cherish her memory. May Gloria’s soul rest in eternal peace,” said Dr Ruto.
Nairobi Senator Mr Edwin Sifuna said: “Omwami Dr Khalwale pole sana for your loss. May God comfort you and your family in this difficult time. Khulialala Omwami. May her soul rest in peace.”
Prof Makau Mutua wrote: “Khalwale, I write with a heavy heart to convey my deepest condolences to you, your children, and your entire family. This unspeakable tragedy is simply unbearable. No words can express my grief. I wish you strength at this time of terrible trial.”
Other leaders who sent their condolences included Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, Pauline Njoroge and former Kabete MP Mr Paul Muite, among others.
Back at his Malinya home, friends and relatives continued to stream in to stand with the family of the Kakamega Senator.
Gloria was the third wife of the Kakamega Senator. His first wife was the late Adelide Khalwale, the mother of Dr Khalwale’s first three children, while the second was Josephine Khalwale and the fourth is Diana Khalwale.
She was the mother of eight children: Engine Kukaste Khalwale, Olivia Sabayi Khalwale, Flavia Shimuli Khalwale, Gift Atubukha Khalwale, Meliza Khamwenyi Khalwale, Velma Nasiebanda Khalwale, Sonia Inuni Khalwale and Maura Makatse Khalwale.
The body is being preserved at St Elizabeth Mukumu Hospital in Kakamega County, and the tentative date for the burial has been set for next Friday, August 21.
