Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a heartfelt condolence message and a Sh500,000 donation to Senator Richard Onyonka during the burial of his mother, Mama Teresa Nyaboki Omoke, held on Friday in Kisii County.
Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i represented the former President at the ceremony, personally delivering both the message and the financial contribution on his behalf.
Matiang’i Delivers Personal Message
Addressing mourners gathered for the burial, Matiang’i said he had been dispatched directly by the retired Head of State to stand with the Onyonka family during their time of grief.
“I have been sent by former President Uhuru Kenyatta with a message of condolence and support to Senator Richard Onyonka and the entire family during this difficult moment,” Matiang’i told the gathering.
The Sh500,000 donation, handed over during the ceremony to support funeral arrangements, drew warm applause from mourners in attendance.
Uhuru: Losing a Parent is Life’s Most Painful Experience
In his condolence message, Uhuru described the loss of a parent as one of the most profound and painful experiences any person can endure.
“It is with sadness that my family and I send this message of condolence, comfort, support and encouragement to you following the death of your beloved mother, Mama Teresa Nyaboki Omoke,” the message read.
The former President praised the late Mama Teresa as a woman who had lived a full and impactful life, devoted entirely to her family and the community around her. He encouraged the family to draw comfort from the legacy she left behind.
“We join you as you celebrate together with your families a life well lived and thank God for the treasured, precious gift of Mama Teresia. She loved and cared for her family dearly,” Uhuru’s message stated.
A Tribute to Dr. Zachary Onyonka
Beyond mourning Mama Teresa, Uhuru also took the opportunity to honour the memory of Senator Onyonka’s late father, Dr. Zachary Onyonka, who served in government for nearly three decades alongside Kenya’s founding President, Jomo Kenyatta.
“Your father, the late Dr Zakary Onyonka, served selflessly with diligence and commitment to the nation and people of Kenya, together with my father, the late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta,” the message noted, adding that Dr. Onyonka had served with integrity across various ministries from 1969 to 1996.
The former President expressed his confidence that Senator Onyonka and his family would honour and carry forward the values and legacy of service modelled by both parents.
A Prayer for the Grieving Family
Uhuru closed his message with a prayer for strength and divine comfort for the Onyonka family as they navigated their grief.
“As you pay your last respects and honour Mama Teresa Nyaboki Omoke, who God has now called home to rest, we pray that the love of God will console, comfort and strengthen you throughout this period and the days to come,” the message read.
“May the Almighty God rest her soul in eternal peace.”
Senior Leaders Attend
The burial ceremony drew a cross-section of senior political figures from across the political divide, including Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, underlining the wide respect held for the Onyonka family in Kenya’s political circles.
