Gideon Moi mourns mother-in-law's death

Muslim faithful carry the remains of Afia Juma before burial at Kikowani Cemetery in Mombasa on December 9, 2021. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi was among hundreds of mourners who attended the burial of his mother-in-law Mama Afia Juma in Mombasa County.

Mama Afia,78, died after a long illness.

Mourners who thronged her home at Nyali and the Kikowani Muslim cemetery where she was interred eulogised her as a humble and joyful matriarch.

The Baringo Senator said Mama Afia loved her family and community as a whole and would be missed by many.

“I am saddened by the passing on of Mama Afia Juma - mother of my wife Zahra Moi. She was a humble, introspective yet strict mother-in-law. May Allah rest her soul in peace,” said Gideon at the burial site.

He added; “I want to say sorry as we come here to lay our mother rest. Her death has come as a big loss to many who knew her.” 

Kanu secretary general Nick Salat yesterday described the death of Mama Afia as a big loss to the family.

“The passing away of Mama Afia Juma is indeed devastating. May Allah grant Zahra Moi and the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

Mourners braved the sweltering heat to attend the burial. The cortege snaked through Links Road, Fidel Odinga Road, Nyali, and Abdul Nasser Road for the final prayers at Noor Mosque at Bondeni on Mombasa island.

Among the mourners were Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director-General, Lieutenant-General Mohamed Badi, businessman Abu Joho and former assistant minister for local government Mohamed Hashim.