Residents of Taita Taveta County are in mourning following the death of the county's only elected female member of the County Assembly.
Daily Nation first reported that Wundanyi/Mbale MCA Beatrice Mwabili passed away on the afternoon of Sunday, March 22, while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
The lawmaker had been battling gallbladder cancer.
Confirming the incident, Deputy Speaker Chrispus Tondoo eulogised the deceased as an inspiration to many for making history as the first elected female MCA in the male-dominated County Assembly.
"We have lost a dedicated member who contributed immensely to debates," he stated.
At the county, Mwabili served as the chairperson of the Delegated County Legislation Committee at the assembly.
Tondoo disclosed that the deceased played a pivotal advisor role to her colleagues and was trusted enough that after her funds ran out, other MCAs chipped in to help with her hospital bills.
"We were in the process of doing that and it is unfortunate that she lost the battle too soon," he added.
Mwabili's death is a blow to gender equality in the county as it comes barely four months after nominated MCA Anastacia Wakesho succumbed to breast cancer.
Wakesho, who was a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, passed away on Jamhuri Day, Thursday, December 12, 2019.
The party, at the time, eulogised her as a dedicated, determined leader and a true servant who had portrayed her willingness to serve.
"On this Jamhuri Day, we mourn to demise (early today) of Hon. Anastacia Wakesho Mombo, our Special Elect (Nominated) MCA serving at the County Assembly of Taita Taveta. As a party, we have lost a dedicated leader, women leader & people’s servant," stated Edwin Sifuna, ODM Secretary-general.
