Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale laid his late wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, to rest on Friday at their family home in Malinya, Ikolomani Constituency, following her sudden death on August 15 after a cardiac arrest.
The solemn send-off quickly turned into a focal point for national political undertones as leaders from across the political spectrum gathered at Malinya Grounds to pay their last respects. Among those present were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
Speaking during the ceremony, Senator Khalwale revealed that he personally requested President William Ruto not to attend the funeral service to shield the grieving family from administrative logistics during mourning.
“William Ruto asked me to send coordinates ndio ndege yake itue. “Nikamwambia kupitia karani wake Farouk kwamba, Mr. President, mtu kama umefiwa, hauulizwi kama mtu anataka kuja kukufariji,” Khalwale recounted to mourners. “Lakini wewe, nakuomba, nataka matanga ya bibi yangu ikuwe as nice as this, Mr. President; don’t come to Malinya.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who visited the family alongside parliamentary colleagues, delivered official condolences from the state and Parliament.
“On my own behalf, on behalf of my family, and on behalf of the Parliament of Kenya, I have today condoled with the family of my brother and friend of many years,” Wetang’ula stated. “I conveyed the president, H.E. (Dr.) William Ruto’s, condolences and his gesture of goodwill and comfort to the family during this difficult time.”
Mama Gloria Sekeiyan, born in 1981, was a professional teacher and mother of eight children. She was married to Senator Khalwale in 2003. The burial ceremony was conducted under the leadership of the Catholic Church.
The funeral proceedings saw local residents reacting strongly to visiting delegations, reflecting broader regional political realignments ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Despite the politically charged environment, leaders called for unity and support for the bereaved family as the week-long mourning period concluded in Kakamega County.