Moody Awori's Daughter Maria Elizabeth Dies

The Senate, on Wednesday, June 7, went into mourning following the announcement that Maria Elizabeth, the daughter of former Vice President Moody Awori, had died.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the death of Maria Elizabeth on Wednesday, June 7, but did not reveal the cause of death.

"Honourable Senators, It is with deep sorrow that I notify you of the untimely demise of Mrs Maria Elizabeth Adjibodou, Principal Clerk Assistant I, serving in the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services in the Senate," Kingi announced.

Many senators in their condolence messages remembered her down-to-earth demeanour and her dedication to service, given that she was working up to her last day which was Tuesday, June 6 when the senate resumed after a long recess.

The Senate during a session on June 7, 2023. /YOUTUBE.PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

"She joined the Parliament when she was young. I, too, was young. You could never tell that she was the daughter of Moody Awori. 

"My special condolences to Uncle Moody and the family. Fare thee well my sister. I was shocked when you mentioned her name," Kakamega senator, Boni Khalwale, eulogised. 

"This clerk table will never be the same again. I remember Maria very well and anytime I'm in doubt, whenever I need clarity, I would always approach her and I'll ask her and she would be first to be able to guide me correctly," Narok Senator, Ledama Olekina, weighed in.

Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, in his condolence message, reminded the Senate of the cruelties of life and that our loved ones could be here today and gone the next day.

"We lost another colleague in similar circumstances, that we could be here today with you and the very next day it is the speaker making that communication about me and it really raises difficult questions in our minds on the meaning of all this. Sometimes we ask ourselves why are we here and what is our purpose," he recounted.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige broke down in tears while recalling Maria's encouraging nature as well as memories of advice she received from her and that she did not despise her because of her visual impairment.

"She was extremely encouraging towards me. She saw past the disability and just saw a woman.

"Somebody who, like her, has humour. We connected on wit," she stated.

In honour of the departed, Speaker Kingi directed the Senate to observe a minute of silence.

Maria Elizabeth Profile

She worked as a principal assistant clerk until her death on Tuesday, June 6. The late Maria had a Masters degree and undergraduate from New Hampshire College, in Manchester, in the United Kingdom.

She joined the Parliamentary Service on December 6, 2005, as a Personal Assistant in the then office of the Vice President and Leader of Government Business. Then, his father, Moody was serving as the late former President Mwai Kibaki's vice president.

On April 21, 2009, she joined the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services in the National Assembly as a Clerk Assistant, serving in the Table Office (Room 8).

Following the promulgation of a new Constitution in 2010, Maria joined the Senate Service in February 2013, as a Senior Clerk Assistant in the Directorate of Committee Services.

She later joined the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services where she rose to the level of Principal Clerk Assistant I, heading the Journals, Procedural Research and Records Department, where she served until her death.

She is survived by her husband and two children.

Speaker Amason Kingi addressing the Senate after his election on September 8, 2022. /TWITTER