President William Ruto has led an outpouring of condolences to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the sudden death of his wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale.
Gloria died on Saturday morning after she suddenly collapsed following a heart attack, according to Khalwale, who broke the news of her death in a sombre message.
“My dear wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, has this morning suddenly collapsed and died after a heart attack,” the senator said.
The sudden death shocked family, friends and political leaders, triggering messages of sympathy from across the political divide.
President Ruto joined the mourners, saying he and First Lady Rachel Ruto stood with Khalwale and his family as they came to terms with the loss.
“Mama Rachel and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale following the passing of his beloved wife, Gloria Sekeiyan,” Dr Ruto said.
“We stand with Senator Khalwale and his family in this moment of immense grief.”
The President described the loss of a spouse, companion and mother as one that leaves a deep void in a family.
“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,” he said.
“May Gloria’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
Gloria was the mother of eight children with Khalwale. The senator has previously spoken publicly about his family, saying in 2024 that Gloria was one of his four wives and the mother of eight of his 17 children.
The death also drew condolences from leaders who have been working with Khalwale in the emerging Linda Mwananchi political movement.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who leads the movement, sent a message of support to Khalwale, addressing him as “Omwami” and asking God to comfort him and his family.
“Omwami @DrBKhalwale pole sana for your loss. May God comfort you and your family in this difficult time. Khulialala Omwami. May her soul rest in peace,” Sifuna said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who serves as Linda Mwananchi treasurer, said he had received the news with “profound shock and sorrow”, describing Gloria’s death as an untimely loss to her family, friends and those who knew her.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dr Khalwale, their children and the entire Khalwale family,” Osotsi said, praying for strength and courage for the bereaved family.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka also mourned Gloria, describing her sudden death as a devastating loss.
“As LINDA Mwananchi, we stand firmly with our senior brother and mentor, Senator Boni Khalwale, during this darkest hour,” Wamboka said.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa also sent his condolences, saying his thoughts were with Khalwale, his family and friends.
“I extend my sincere condolences to Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale following the sudden passing of his wife, Mama Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale,” Barasa said.
“My thoughts are with Senator Khalwale, his family and friends during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described Gloria’s death as sudden and untimely, asking God to give the family strength, comfort and courage.
“The loss of a loved one leaves a space that words can never truly fill,” Mudavadi said, praying that memories of Gloria as a wife, mother and friend would provide solace to those mourning her.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also sent a message to Khalwale, describing him as his dear friend and extending his thoughts and prayers to him and his children.
“My dear friend, Senator Boni Khalwale, I was deeply saddened to learn of Gloria's sudden passing this morning,” Kalonzo said.
“Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this deeply painful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children as you grieve the loss of Gloria.”
Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya joined the leaders mourning Gloria, describing her death as a sudden loss and praying for strength and courage for Khalwale and his family.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Kakamega County Senator, Dr Boni Khalwale and his family following the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Mrs Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale,” Oparanya said.
“During this difficult moment, I pray that God grants them strength, comfort and courage as they come to terms with this painful loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa also mourned Gloria, extending condolences on behalf of his family and the wider party.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga asked God to grant Khalwale, his children and the wider family strength and comfort during the difficult period.
The messages continued with condolences from National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Samuel Atandi, former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera and ODM communications director Philip Etale, among others.
Gloria’s death is the second major loss of a wife suffered by Khalwale. His first wife, Adelaide Khalwale, died in October 2019.
For Khalwale, Saturday’s announcement marked a deeply personal moment for a politician who has in recent months remained active in Western Kenya politics and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
