State House choir mourns Mama Lucy Kibaki

President Mwai Kibaki and First Lady Lucy Kibaki follow proceedings during Kenyatta day celebraions at Nyayo stadium.

News about the demise of former First Lady Lucy Kibaki came as a shock to the State House choir.

State House Music Director June Ogolla, who received news on the passing on of Mrs Kibaki from President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday morning, described her as a tough mother who nurtured many.

Choir members say Lucy loved songs that unified the country.

"I got a call from State House and was connected to the Head of State who said he wanted music played for Mama Lucy. I then talked to Samuel Wambora who took over since I am here (Kitale) for tomorrow's function,"  said Ms Ogolla at the Kitale Club during preparations for yesterday's Beyond Zero campaign where First Lady Margaret Kenyatta handed over a mobile clinic.

Ogolla, who also doubles up as master of ceremony in the Office of the First Lady, revealed that she was brought to State House by Lucy. She first to got to know Mama Lucy when her church choir team performed for the former First Lady.

Makongeni choir

She said the former First Lady was impressed by the Makongeni SDA Choir, which performed for her when she landed from Abuja where a Government delegation had attended an Africa Union conference.

Ogolla, who worked for the SOS Children's Village in Meru County before going to State House, said Lucy wanted a State House choir that would unify all the departments.

"Mama wanted a choir that would bring together all the departments in State House including the presidential escort team, General Service Unit, and administrators so they could live as a family," she said.

She said Lucy really loved the song "Sote Tupendane" (Let's all love one other) by the State House choir, adding that after President Mwai Kibaki retired the choir composed two songs in honour of the former President and two in honour Lucy.