Yvonne Wamalwa was hardworking, focused, intelligent, caring and very giving, mourners eulogised the late VP Kijana Wamalwa's widow on Thursday.
“She was a friend and a servant of the people,” former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said.
Yvonne's requiem mass was held at the Consolata Shrine, with government officials, politicians, the clergy, civil society, diplomats and other Kenyans in attendance.
They described the diplomat as an aunt, a friend, a mother, a sister, a colleague and a daughter.
“If we had powers, Yvonne, we would take you out and cut you into stars so that you may join former Vice President Michael Wamalwa as one of the stars that would shine upon the beautiful family, us and the world as you watch upon us,” Water CS Eugene Wamalwa, Yvonne's brother-in-law, said.
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Yvonne remained a widow after her husband's death on August 23, 2003. “She died a young widow. He died leaving her behind but she didn’t get married again. I can say Mr and Mrs Wamalwa's love was timeless,” Eugene said.
Raila provided a light moment and left the mourners in stitches when he told Eugene, “I remind Eugene Wamalwa to call me His Excellency since I took an oath the other day.
“I will give my maiden speech very soon.”
Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed said, “Her passing is a great loss to those who worked with her, her family and no doubt our lives will be empty in the areas she touched.”
“She was a person who gave. She gave. She gave us her expertise, she gave her love, she gave her company and she gave her skills,” Amina said.
The body was taken to the family home in Karen for an overnight stay, according to Luhya tradition. It will be airlifted to Kitale on Friday for the burial on Saturday.
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