President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned fallen Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso as an icon of women leadership in the country. Dr Laboso passed away while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital on Monday afternoon.
Through a statement on Statehouse’s official Twitter handle, Uhuru wished the people of Bomet County strength at this time of mourning.
“I have received the sad news of the passing away of Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso with utter disbelief. Dr Laboso was an icon of women leadership in our country. May God grant the family, residents of Bomet and all Kenyans the fortitude to bear the big loss,” read Uhuru’s tribute.
"I have received the sad news of the passing away of Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso with utter disbelief. Dr Laboso was an icon of women leadership in our country. May God grant the family, residents of Bomet and all Kenyans the fortitude to bear the big loss"~President Kenyatta.
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 29, 2019
The governor returned to the country two weeks ago after a two-month stay in India and the United Kingdom seeking treatment for an undisclosed condition.
A statement from her office, early Monday morning, through the director of communication, Ezra Kirui, stated that Laboso was recuperating but under observation.
She left the country on May 29 for the United Kingdom (Royal Madden NHS hospital) where she stayed before being transferred for further treatment in India.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga further described her as a dedicated public servant while recalling their last meeting with the deceased during his in London while undergoing treatment.
“Laboso’s death is a blow to our system of devolved government. She was a dedicated public servant and when I recently visited her in hospital in London, I was encouraged that she was on a path to full recovery. My prayers are with her family and the people of Bomet. Rest in Peace”, Raila wrote.
Laboso's death is a blow to our system of devolved government. She was a dedicated public servant and when I recently visited her in hospital in London, I was encouraged that she was on path to full recovery. My prayers are with her family and the people of Bomet. Rest in Peace.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 29, 2019
Netizens took to social media to give their condolences to Laboso’s family with the hashtag #RIPJoyceLaboso.
Eldoret residents mourn governor Joyce Laboso.#RIPLaboso pic.twitter.com/nWmMYcplTr
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 29, 2019
Its been a dark month in Kenya with several dignitaries dying from Cancer,first Bob Collymore then Ken Okoth now its governor laboso rest in peace Bomet County Governor Joyce Laboso #riplaboso pic.twitter.com/R4gzCWGj6u
— 🇰🇪Tired Kenyan🇰🇪 (@Im__Pachira) July 29, 2019
R. I. P Joyce Laboso. Deeply saddened. #RIPLaboso pic.twitter.com/9tStNmSgWW
— Kiptoo Emmanuel🇰🇪 (@kiptoomanuu) July 29, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to Governor Joyce Laboso's family, you fought the fight may your soul Rest in Eternal Peace #riplaboso pic.twitter.com/xrDRcxMoKA
— Domnic Ronoh 🇰🇪 (@dmronoh) July 29, 2019
It is high time President Uhuru Kenyatta declares Cancer a national disaster. Within a span of one month, as a country we have lost 3 Prominent people include Joyce Laboso#RIPLaboso pic.twitter.com/jIm04V1cF7
— Maloba_2030 (@2030Maloba) July 29, 2019