ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi (second right) with Nairobi Senator Johnston Sakaja (second left) and several leaders at Nairobi's Lee Funeral Home yesterday. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]
Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to bury his mother at the family’s Mululu home in Sabatia, Vihiga County.
Mr Mudavadi, however, said the family was yet to decide on the exact date Hannah Atsianzale would be buried.
“This death has occurred when there are so many activities, just after Christmas and during the eve of the New Year. So many friends and relatives who would have liked to be with us during the burial may not be able to. That is why we are looking at the possibility of burial the week after,” Mudavadi said.
He spoke outside Lee Funeral Home, Nairobi, where Atsianzale’s body will be preserved.
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Mudavadi was accompanied by his sons Moses and Michael, and politicians, including Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, Reuben Ndolo and Makadara MP George Aladwa.
The ANC leader had earlier in the day broken the news that his mother had died yesterday morning while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. She was 92.
Atsianzale’s death comes nearly three decades after the death of her husband and Mudavadi’s father Moses Mudamba Mudavadi. The influential politician died in 1989.
Chris Bichage, a board member at Nairobi Hospital, said the facility did its best to give Atsianzale a ‘smooth journey’ as she died.
“As a hospital’ we tried our best to create a smooth journey to mama’s final rest,” Bichage said, while passing the hospital’s condolences.
Mudavadi termed his mother’s demise as God’s will, adding that she had lived a full life.
“She was going to 92, so she had lived quite a full life and we thank God that she was able to be with us for that time,” he told mourners.
The ANC leader added that the family was making plans to allow mourners to view Atsianzale’s body before she is laid to rest. The plans will be communicated.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among leaders that sent condolence messages to the family.
In his message to the larger Mudavadi family, Uhuru described Atsianzale as a devoted, generous and humble matriarch who raised a close-knit family and contributed immensely to the progress of her community.
“Mama Hannah was the cornerstone of the Mudavadi family, a wise woman of few words on whose broad shoulders many people were raised to become great Kenyans.
“Mrs Mudavadi was a gracious and loving mother, a true matriarch who loved and took care of all people, especially those in need, without any reservation,” the president said.
He said Atsianzale would especially be remembered for her love for education and how she helped many bright children from poor families to access quality education.
Deputy President William Ruto described her as a devoutly religious, respected and responsible woman, who raised upright, hardworking and diligent children.
“She was tireless, humble and persistent figure who modelled a generation of illustrious leaders. We honour the marvelous life Mama Atsianzale led and the indelible legacy that she leaves behind,” said Dr Ruto.
ODM leader Raila Odinga said the loss of a mother devastates for a long time, telling the Mudavadi family: “the pillar may be gone, but you must soldier on. My prayers are with you”.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said Atsianzale was a humble, God loving and caring mother to all.
“On behalf of my self, my family, and the people of Baringo, may God give the Mudavadi family necessary fortitude to bear the loss,” said Gideon.
