Body of Mandago’s mother moved ahead of burial

*Senator Jackson Mandago’s father Mzee Daniel Lelei views the body of his wife, Esther Lelei, outside the Eldoret hospital morgue*

The body of the mother of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has been removed from a morgue in Eldoret and taken home ahead of burial on Tuesday.

Hundreds of residents turned up at the Eldoret hospital morgue, where Mandago and his father Daniel Kirorei Lelei led mourners in paying their last respects to Mama Esther Tapsiarga Lelei, who died at the age of 92 years.

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“I have lost my loved one and my pillar in life. I thank all the doctors who treated her until she passed away. I am also grateful to all those who have visited and prayed with us,” Mzee Lelei said.

Lelei said his wife had suffered a lot during her sickness and said he recognised the selfless work done by the medics who tried to save her life.

“I am really saddened, but thank you all for standing with us,” he said.

Mandago also thanked all those who had stood with the family since his mother passed on.

“She was a pillar in my life, and I thank God for the time He gave her to be with us. She mentored us as a family and many others,” Mandago said.

She died on January 29 at the same hospital and will be laid to rest on Tuesday at their Sigen farm near Kuinet, a few kilometres from Eldoret on the road to Ziwa.

Church and muslim leaders also turned up to pray the family at the morgue before the body was taken home.

Scores of political and community leaders have been visiting the home of Mandago to mourn his mother, Mama Esther.

In a show of unity, leaders from various political camps have since visited Mandago’s home to offer condolences.

Visitors included Governor Bii, Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, neighbouring governors, MPs and community leaders.

Governor Bii expressed sympathy, noting that Mama Esther’s life was marked by compassion, strength and devotion to family and community.

“We stand with the family in prayers and support during this difficult time,” he said.

MPs David Kiplagat (Soy) and Julius Rutto (Kesses) also mourned her passing. Rutto described her as a source of unconditional love and guidance and prayed for God’s comfort for Mandago’s family.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that President Ruto was among the key leaders expected at the burial.