President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the late Yvonne Wamalwa describing her as an outstanding woman who served the country with dedication.
The late Yvonne, widow of former Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, died in Nanyuki on Thursday.
Uhuru, in his condolence message, said Yvonne, who once served as Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner in Australia, demonstrated a high level of discipline in her service to the country.
"The passing of Yvonne has robbed us the selfless leader who was a role model in her community and in the nation. Hers was servant-hood leadership," he said.
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"As an ambassador, it was always about the interests of Kenya. She served with distinction," the President added.
Yvonne was involved in various charitable and advocacy activities aimed at supporting the vulnerable in society.
Her husband served as vice president under President Kibaki and died in August 2003.
Deputy president William Ruto described her as a strong woman who braved adversity to raise a young family, with little time to grieve her husband.
"A philanthropist, she took in orphans and the less privileged under her wing and gave their lives new meaning," the DP said.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka also sent his
condolence to the family and friends of the late Yvonne.
"We have lost a patriot, a mother and a role model. Yvonne did not allow her widowhood to define her. Instead, it gave her drive and passion to serve and she grew immensely in her new found career," Lusaka said.
ANC party Musalia Mudavadi said the death took him by surprise.
"Her death took me by surprise as it must many Kenyans. Yvonne has lived a near-quiet life away from the limelight. That deliberate choice tells a lot about her sense of endurance and purpose," Mudavadi said.