Political bigwigs flock to Vihiga to mourn Mudavadi's mother

President Uhuru Kenyatta is among the leaders who flocked to Mululu, Vihiga county, on Saturday for the funeral of Hannah Atsianzale.

Hannah, 92, died on December 28 last year while undergoing treatment. She was the mother of Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi.

Others present were ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, Senator Johnson Sakaja, Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula, and a host of MCAs and MPs, among others.

Speaker after speaker urged the politicians to steer clear of political rhetoric and focus on the matter at hand.

Hannah was remembered as a matriarch who offered unmatched leadership.

“This death has occurred when there are so many activities, just after Christmas and during the eve of the New Year. So many friends and relatives who would have liked to be with us during the burial may not be able to. That is why we are looking at the possibility of burial the week after,” Mudavadi said shortly after the death.

Speakers maintained that the funeral was a celebration of a life well lived, going by the song and dance that was part of the day's activities.

Atsianzale’s death comes nearly three decades after the death of her husband and Mudavadi’s father Moses Mudamba Mudavadi. The influential politician died in 1989.

In his message to the larger Mudavadi family, Uhuru described Atsianzale as a devoted, generous and humble matriarch who raised a close-knit family and contributed immensely to the progress of her community.

“Mama Hannah was the cornerstone of the Mudavadi family, a wise woman of few words on whose broad shoulders many people were raised to become great Kenyans.

“Mrs Mudavadi was a gracious and loving mother, a true matriarch who loved and took care of all people, especially those in need, without any reservation,” the president said.

He said Atsianzale would especially be remembered for her love for education and how she helped many bright children from poor families to access quality education.

ODM leader Raila Odinga said the loss of a mother devastates for a long time, telling the Mudavadi family: “the pillar may be gone, but you must soldier on. My prayers are with you”.