Speaker Moses Wetangula's Mother Dies

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has lost his mother, Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Friday, December 20 confirmed the unfortunate news on his official social media accounts. The deceased was also the mother of Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Tim Wanyonyi.

"The passing on this morning of Khukhu Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula, the mother of Rt Hon Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Hon Tim Wanyonyi, MP for Westlands, has plunged the Parliament of Kenya and indeed, the entire country into deep mourning," Kingi announced.

"In her demise, Khukhu leaves behind an indelible mark in our society as the matriarch of the family that has given this country great leaders, and a mentor to many who lived, interacted and walked with her through life."

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's mother Anne Nanyama Wetang’ula. /AMASON KINGI

Kingi added that he sent his deepest condolences to his counterpart Wetang’ula,  Wanyonyi and their entire family for this deep loss and "pray that God grants them the fortitude and grace to bear Khukhu’s departure from our midst. May her soul rest in eternal peace."

President William Ruto penned a message of condolence to Wetangula's family, stating "Our condolences to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Mheshimiwa Timothy Wanyonyi for the loss of your dear mother. Anne Nanyama was a progressive, responsible and caring woman who raised upright children. May God grant comfort to the family, friends and the people of Bungoma at this sad time."

Other leaders who joined in eulogizing Wetangula's mother included Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka who remembered her as a devout Christian who dedicated much of her life to selflessly serving the church.

According to Lusaka, Mama Nanyama's commitment to her faith and her community distinguished her as a pillar of hope and inspiration.

“I have received the sorrowful news of the passing of Mama Anne Nanyama Wetang'ula, the beloved mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Fred Wetang'ula, and others.

“Mama Anne was a devout Catholic who dedicated much of her life to selflessly serving the church and fostering a strong moral foundation among children,” Lusaka stated.

On May 15, 2020, Wetangula and Wanyonyi lost their brother after suffering from a long illness. Tony Waswa Wetangula, who was an aide to MP Wanyonyi, succumbed after a long illness at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.

The information of his death was first made public by Wetangula's political party Ford Kenya through its social media platforms, where they informed the public that Waswa died on the night of May 14, 2020.

Tony's death came just days after Wetangula visited Kabuchai MP Lusweti Muko at the Karen Hospital where he was recuperating after being airlifted to Nairobi from Bungoma.

Tim Wanyonyi and Moses Wetangula at the former's Thanksgiving mass/luncheon after he was first elected in 2013. /TIM WANYONYI