New twist: Homa Bay mum killed during chaotic rally to be taken to Uganda
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Noreen Lwanga was hit and killed by a vehicle during the chaotic Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday
- She had rushed into town after hearing reports that looters were breaking into her shop, leaving her family behind
- Her husband's family, who were already attending a separate funeral in the area, indicated they may need to transport her body back to Uganda
A widowed mother of four who died in Homa Bay after being hit by a vehicle belonging to the convoy of Linda Mwananchi could be buried in Uganda.
Noreen Lwanga, a resident of the Shauriyako neighbourhood in Homa Bay County, was killed barely hours after leaving her home for town, where the Linda Mwanchi team was staging its final rally of the day.
Her son, Sly Steward, told Citizen TV that she had rushed into town after receiving word that criminals were breaking into and looting her shop.
"We were in the house watching the rally. Then at around 6 pm. We heard rumours that looting was happening in town. So she went to check on her shop. Moments later we got news that she had been hit by a car," Steward said.
Jackeline Adhiambo, Noreen's friend, said she recieved a call a few minutes after 6:30 pm informing her about the tragic incident that had happened in town.
"I was called at around 6:30 pm and told that things are not looking good in town. Moments later, I got another call informing me that Noreen had been killed. I was so shocked," Adhiambo said.
Noreen had been raising her four children alone. She relied on income from her business in Homa Bay town to fend for the children and meet their other needs, including school fees.
Husband's Family Faces Pressure Over Funeral Support
The tragedy has been compounded by a dispute over burial arrangements. Kigwana Nicholus, an uncle of the deceased, told mourners that Noreen's late husband's family had declined to contribute meaningfully to the funeral planning, and had suggested her body be transported to Uganda, where she was born.
"The guy who came told us that in their family they have problems. If it is possible, we can take the body to Uganda. We said no problem, but we need assistance," Nicholus said.
A friend of the family, Dennis Onyango, offered context for the in-laws' position, noting that they had themselves been attending a separate funeral in the area when news of Noreen's death reached them.
"It is like they have challenges to deal with and they need help as well. They had come for a funeral only to be hit by the sad news of Noreen's death. Now they have to carry the body back to Uganda where the lady was born," Onyango said.
Family and friends continue to gather at the Shauriyako home to mourn Noreen Lwanga, as negotiations over the funeral arrangements and the question of where she will be laid to rest remain unresolved.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.