Last of chief’s 98 wives dies

The late Mrs Selina Sudi, the wife of the late Paramount Chief Sudi Namachanja sits on his grave on 28/2/2014 during the official inauguration of his mausoleum by Governor Kenneth Lusaka. Mrs Selina died on 12/5/2016. (PHOTO: TITUS OTEBA/STANDARD)

The only surviving wife of the late Paramount chief Sudi Namachanja in Bungoma County, has died.

Selina Namusenge Sudi who was the 98th wife of the late paramount Chief during the colonial era, died at her home aged 98 years on Thursday.

She was the only surviving widow out of the 107 wives the chief had married. Her 69-year-old son Kilali Sudi confirmed that her mother has been sick for a long time.

Welcoming lady

“My mother has been battling leg ache diseases for a long time, we took her to several hospitals but it could not be cured, we left it to God. Sadly, she has lost the battle,” said Kilali.

Paramount Chief Sudi Namachanja was born in 1876 and died in 1971 at the age of 95 and is believed to have collaborated with colonialists during his tenure.

The county government has constructed a mausoleum at the Paramount Chief’s home in Tulumba village Bumula constituency in his remembrance. It also serves as a tourist attraction site and a place where future generations will be told Sudi’s story.

Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka sent his message of condolence to the family and said his administration will cater for burial expenses.