Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale turned his late wife Gloria Sekeiyan’s funeral into an unexpected moment of humour when he challenged men in Shinyalu to consider marrying his daughters.
Khalwale made the remarks on Friday, August 21, during Gloria’s funeral service in Malinya, Kakamega County, where family, friends and political leaders gathered to pay their final respects. Gloria died suddenly on August 15 after suffering a heart attack.
Khalwale Calls Out Men
While addressing mourners, Khalwale said he had previously encouraged men in the area to approach his daughters but claimed they appeared hesitant.
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“Whenever I go to Shinyalu, I tell men there I have many daughters; they should come and marry them, but they are afraid of my daughters. You men!” Khalwale said.
He said Flavia had performed well academically from her early education at Malinya Primary School before proceeding to Alliance Girls High School.
According to Khalwale, she later studied economics at the University of Nairobi and is currently employed by East African Breweries Limited.
“Flavia was a top student at Malinya Primary School, topped at Alliance Girls High School, and went to The University of Nairobi to study economics and now works at EABL. She is a working-class woman. Why can't you marry her?” he asked.
A Light Moment During a Funeral
The remarks came during a solemn occasion as the Khalwale family mourned Gloria, who was the mother of eight of the senator’s children.
The children include Engine Kukaste, Olivia Sabayi, Flavia Shimuli, Gift Atubukha, Meliza Khamwenyi, Velma Nasiebanda, Sonia Inuni and Maura Makatse.
Khalwale had announced her death on August 15, saying she had collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack.
Khalwale Praises His Children
The senator has spoken about his children several times during the family's mourning period.
At Gloria's funeral, his comments about Flavia appeared to combine praise for her academic and professional achievements with a playful appeal to potential suitors.
His remarks quickly attracted attention online, with the phrase “wanaogopa” — meaning “they are afraid” — becoming a talking point.
Social-media users shared the moment as another example of Khalwale's direct and sometimes humorous style of addressing public gatherings.
