This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Wife, Mother, Leader: Remembering Joyce Laboso ¶
July 29 will mark one year since the untimely death of Bomet County's first female governor, Joyce Laboso, who succumbed to cancer on July 29, 2020.
Her husband, Edwin Abonyo, warmed the hearts of Kenyans with his heartfelt speeches and wonderful memories of his beloved after doctors switched off her life support machines.
Abonyo, a simple man from a humble background, describes himself as a man who likes working and has a passion for farming. He tries to exercise kindness and compassion whenever possible to the less fortunate in society.
Abonyo remembers his late wife fondly, recalling how and where they first met through her cousin, Henry Maritim, who was also Abonyo's friend.
They met in 1991, when Abonyo was working as a tea estate manager. Their love story blossomed, but cancer struck, and Joyce went through months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which left her 'very sick.'
Abonyo says the family was known mostly because of Joyce's career in politics. Her entry into politics was purely accidental after the death of her sister, the late Hon Lorna Laboso, who died in a plane crash.
Abonyo says Joyce's leadership abilities made her perform extremely well in politics, and he was her biggest fan, supporting her from the sidelines and even being in-charge of her campaigns.
Abonyo says the family has been coming to terms with the loss and finding themselves again. He has a good support system of friends and family and keeps himself busy with his construction company work and farm management.
Abonyo was appointed to the State Corporations Advisory Committee by President Uhuru Kenyatta, which he says is a huge honour and an exciting new role in governance.
