"Leaves a void": Ruto painfully mourns Khalwale's wife in tear-jerking post
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto have mourned Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, who died suddenly on Saturday morning
- Ruto stood with Senator Boni Khalwale and his family, praying for strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss of Gloria
- Gloria was the mother of eight children, with her death triggering condolence messages from political leaders and Kenyans
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has five years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
President William Ruto has joined Kenyans in mourning Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, the wife of Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, following her sudden death on Saturday morning.
Ruto extended his condolences to Khalwale and his family in a message shared after the senator announced that Gloria had collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack.
In his message, Ruto said he and First Lady Rachel Ruto were standing with the family during what he described as a period of immense grief.
What did Ruto tell Khalwale after wife Gloria's death?
“Mama Rachel and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the passing of his beloved wife, Gloria Sekeiyan,” Ruto said.
The president acknowledged the significance of losing a spouse and mother, saying Gloria's death had left a profound void in the family.
“We stand with Senator Khalwale and his family in this moment of immense grief,” he added.
Ruto also prayed for strength, comfort and peace for the family as they come to terms with the loss and remember Gloria's life.
“The loss of a spouse, companion and mother leaves a deep void, and we pray that God grants the family strength, comfort and peace as they mourn and cherish her memory,” he said.
“May Gloria’s soul rest in eternal peace,” Ruto added.
What happened to Gloria Sekeiyan?
Khalwale announced Gloria's death on Saturday, saying she had suddenly collapsed after suffering a heart attack.
“My dear wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, has this morning suddenly collapsed and died after a heart attack,” he said.
Gloria was the mother of eight of Khalwale's children. Her sudden death has since triggered an outpouring of condolence messages from political leaders and members of the public.
Who else has mourned Gloria Sekeiyan?
Several political leaders have joined Ruto in sending messages of condolence to Khalwale and his family.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale expressed sympathy with the senator, his family, the Malinya community in Ikolomani and Kakamega county. Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka and Alego Usonga lawmaker Sam Atandi also described Gloria's death as a devastating loss.
Gloria's death also comes nearly seven years after Khalwale lost his first wife, Adelaide Shikanga, who died in October 2019 after collapsing at their Malinya home.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.