The Senate, on Wednesday, June 7, mourned the demise of Maria Elizabeth Adjibodou, the daughter of former Vice President Moody Awori.
Speaker Amason Kingi announced her demise on Wednesday, June 7 during a Senate session.
Elizabeth was a principal assistant clerk until her death on Tuesday, June 6.
Kingi, however, did not reveal the cause of her demise nor burial plans. The deceased had a master's degree and undergraduate from New Hampshire College, in Manchester, in the United Kingdom.
"She joined the Parliament when she was young. I, too, was young. You could never tell that she was the daughter of Moody Awori.
"My special condolences to Uncle Moody and the family. Fare thee well my sister. I was shocked when you mentioned her name," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale eulogised.
Other senators lauded her down-to-earth demeanor and her dedication to service. This was evident by the fact that she worked at the Senate until her last day when the Senate resumed after a long recess on June 6.
“I would like to pass my condolences to the family of our former vice president, Moody Awori, who we worked with.
“We say sorry. Many times we don’t expect our children to go before us,” mourned Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei highlighted how her advice was invaluable during his time in the Senate.
"Yesterday our sister was here and although she was wearing a mask, she looked okay.
"I was shocked in the morning to receive the sad news that she is no longer with us," Cherargei noted in the session.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige broke down in tears when she recalled Maria's warm personality. She recalled her pieces of advice and how the deceased never despised her despite being a person living with disabilities (PWD).
"She was extremely encouraging towards me. She saw past the disability and just saw a woman.
"Somebody who, like her, has humour. We connected on wit," she stated.
Maria is survived by her husband and two children. Her family has yet to release a statement on her death.
