Shock as NCIC vice-chair Tabwara collapses, dies at nephew's wedding

The late former National Cohesion and Integration Commission member Fatuma Tabwara during the unveiling of the new commission members by Interior CS Fred Matiangi at Harambee House, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina/Standard]

Recently appointed National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) vice-chairperson Fatuma Tabwara is dead.

Tabwara, 52, is said to have collapsed during a wedding at Bowa village in Matuga yesterday.

She was taken to Diani Beach Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Family and friends expressed shock at the sudden death of Tabwara, who vied for the Kwale County Woman representative seat in the 2017 General Election.

Family members said the commissioner, who was sworn into office just a month ago, was in high spirits before her death.

“We received the sad news at 11am from family members. The information we got was that she collapsed while attending a wedding and was taken to Diani beach hospital, where she was pronounced dead,” county police boss Joseph Nthenge said.

The commissioner is survived by a husband Fuad Said Gofwa, two daughters and two sons.

“We are shocked. She just collapsed and was pronounced dead on arrival to hospital,” said Ummy Jaffar, a niece to Tabwara.

Area governor Salim Mvurya was among those who sent messages of condolences to Twabwara's family.

Tabwara served as commissioner with the county public service board and political advisor to the governor before her latest appointment at the cohesion commission.