President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have mourned the death of former Kwale County Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga.
Zainab, 65, had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi's South C after suffering Covid-19 complications, according to a close family member.
In his message of condolence, Uhuru described Chidzuga as a steadfast leader and astute grassroots mobiliser who helped uplift the welfare of women in Kwale and across the country.
"Mama Zainab Chidzuga was a passionate advocate of women empowerment whose many achievements as an activist, legislator and mentor will continue shaping the gender agenda in our country for generations," he said.
The Head of State remembered Chidzuga as a role model to many women across the country.
Uhuru prayed for God's comfort to the Chidzuga family as they come to terms with her death.
Deputy President William Ruto said the country has lost a progressive and steadfast leader who was a champion of women empowerment.
He also prayed for God's comfort as the family comes to terms with her death.
"We have lost a selfless and visionary leader who served the people of Kwale with dedication," Ruto said.
Zainab was also mother of former TV news anchor Mwanaisha Chidzuga.
She served as Kwale Woman representative from 2013 to 2017, a position she was elected to on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
During this period she served as a member of the Committee on Delegated Legislation and the Environment and natural Resources Committee.
Chidzuga unsuccessfully vied for a second term on a Jubilee party ticket, but lost to Zuleikha Juma of ODM in 2017.
Prior to joining politics, Zainab served as the Coast province treasurer for the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation, a position she held for about two decades.
She also served as chairperson for Kwale District MYWO.
Chidzuga initiated various youth and women empowerment projects including; Kwale County Women in Development Organization, which offers micro finance to women to undertake projects to uplift their livelihoods.
She also served as a member of Coast Water Services Board, and the Kwale Health Management Board.
She had recently announced that she would vie for the Women Rep position and was expected to battle out with Zuleikha among other aspirants.
Chidzuga was a Director of the National Irrigation Board.
Edited by CM
