NAIROBI, Kenya — Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is mourning the death of his wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, who died on Saturday morning after reportedly suffering a sudden heart attack.
Khalwale announced Gloria’s death in a post on his official X account, saying she had suddenly collapsed before her death.
“My dear wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, has this morning suddenly collapsed and died after a heart attack,” the senator said.
The death has drawn messages of condolence from leaders across the political divide, led by President William Ruto, who said he and First Lady Rachel Ruto stood with Khalwale and his family during the period of mourning.
“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,” Ruto said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also described Gloria’s death as sudden and untimely, while Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed his condolences to Khalwale and his eight children.
Kalonzo described Gloria as Khalwale’s wife, the mother of his eight children and his partner through many years of life, saying her death had left a deep emptiness in the family.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were also among leaders who sent messages of condolence to the senator and his family.
Gloria was the mother of eight children—Engine Kukaste Khalwale, Olivia Sabayi Khalwale, Flavia Shimuli Khalwale, Gift Atubukha Khalwale, Meliza Khamwenyi Khalwale, Velma Nasiebanda Khalwale, Sonia Inuni Khalwale and Maura Makatse Khalwale.
The latest loss comes years after Khalwale lost his first wife, Adelaide Shikanga, who collapsed and died in 2019.
While the circumstances surrounding Adelaide’s death provide a notable background to the latest tragedy, the information available does not establish that the two deaths had the same medical cause.
Details of Gloria’s funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family.
