We shall never get over commemorating the achievements of women in our lives, be it our mothers, aunts, grandmothers. These women have made contributions that generations will remain indebted for centuries to come. A mother is the foundation of the family. When you take care of a mother, you take care of a nation. If you feed a man, you feed an individual but if you feed a woman, you feed many others.
No matter the title, women have always been the backbone of a nation’s growth. No one can underestimate the power that a woman holds. Grieving a mother brings unbearable pain and takes a few to accept it.
Below are Kenya’s politicians who suffered the agony of losing their moms:
Peter Kenneth
On Thursday, a dark cloud covered Peter Kenneth’s homestead days after he mourned his friend Bob Collymore. The former presidential candidate’s mother passed on in Nairobi hospital after a long battle with illness.
My condolences go out to @Peter_Kenneth following the passing on of his Mother, Rahab Wambui Muhuni. May God grant him and the family strength and fortitude at this trying moment and may her soul rest in eternal peace. Poleni kwa msiba
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 18, 2019
Ms Muhuni was a close friend of former freedom fighter and controversial politician Virginia Wambui Otieno. She was once a deacon at the PCEA Bahati Martyrs Church in Nairobi.
Muthomi Njuki
Tharaka Nithi Governor Onesmus Muthomi lost his mother in February 2019 after she succumbed to illness. Mama Jeniffer Cianjagi Njuki, was a former nursery school teacher and a businesswoman and had been described as a strong woman of faith. Her death came moments after some of the women in his county protested alleged insults, marched to his office and dumped underwear demanding an apology over his uncouth utterances that maligned women.
My heartfelt condolences to my friend, Governor, Tharaka Nithi, H.E. Muthomi Njuki , for the loss of your dear mum. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) February 13, 2019
Justice Muturi
National parliament speaker Hon Justin Muturi mourned his mother who passed on at an advanced age. Mama Virginia Ciarùnji Njoka died in May 2018. She lived a life of single-minded service to her family, the community and the nation. Muturi’s mom was known to have played at Kanyuambora Anglican Church and in the community, adding that her wise counsel, guidance and leadership will be missed by many.
Condoling with National Assembly Speaker Hon. Justin Muturi during the funeral service of his mother, Mama Virginia Njoka in Embu. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/WVOF3MUPdx
— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) June 2, 2018
Anyang’ Nyong’o
Mama Dorcas Owino Nyongo, died at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, on May 2019 where she had been admitted for a few days. Dorcas was an said to be a true matriarch and pillar of the Nyongo family. She never stopped serving and guiding the family and the community she was part of despite her advancing years.
Thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with the family of @AnyangNyongo following the passing on their mother, Mama Dorcas Owino Nyong’o. She was a pillar of strength, unity, love for her family; a woman of valour and great wisdom. Mama Dorcas was accommodating, gentle and caring.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 28, 2019
May the departed souls have eternal peace!