This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Kenya Mourns the Loss of Joyce Laboso ¶
August 5, 2019, marked a sad day for Kenya as Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso succumbed to cancer after a long battle. The news of her passing sent shockwaves across the country, with many leaders and citizens mourning her loss.
Laboso's death is a big blow not only to the people of Bomet but to the entire nation. She was a trailblazer, being one of the first women to be governors in the country, and her passing leaves a void in the political arena.
Her sendoff began with a requiem mass held at the All Saints Cathedral in the city, attended by leaders from all divides to comfort family members. The body was then flown to Bomet County before being taken to her resting place in Kisumu.
Below are 10 photos capturing the emotional sendoff of Joyce Laboso.
1. Fare thee well ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
The photo used as a portrait for the sendoff shows a happy Joyce Laboso, a statement that the family chose to celebrate a life well lived and thank the Almighty God for the time they had with their loved one.
2. A young family left with no mum ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Laboso's children are extremely saddened by the loss of their mother, and the grief may be unresolved for a long time.
3. Leaving the Lee funeral home ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Lee Funeral Home has been giving services to the elite in Kenya, and given her position in the society, it was deserving for Joyce Laboso's body to be kept in the facility.
4. A family in mourning ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
A lot of focus had been on how Bomet County and the country had lost a public figure, but then to the Abonyo's they had lost a loved one. She was a mother, a wife, and a sister to many.
5. Sonko mourning a colleague ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Even though Joyce Laboso and Mike Sonko were different in many respects, they were brought together by many things. Both were Jubilee Party elected governors, and this was their first term serving as governors.
6. Prayer before everything ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Prayers were officiated by a priest at the All Saints Cathedral where close family members were invited to gather around the casket for blessings at the Laboso funeral service.
7. High emotions ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Grief knows no time, and during such times, the memories of lost loved ones can only evoke emotions that may be difficult to control.
8. Uniting the country even in death ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Laboso has been praised as an individual who was a peace advocate in the country. Despite being married in the opposition stronghold, she managed to be the governor under the grasp of the ruling party.
9. A state burial ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
The fact that Joyce died while serving her people means she deserved a state sendoff. True to that, the government's presence was felt as support was given in various aspects.
10. A brave husband ¶
Image: nation.co.ke
Edwin Abonyo has been praised as a husband sent from heaven. He maintained his calm during this trying moment in his life and was thankful to everyone for their support.
