Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is mourning the death of his wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, who died on Saturday morning, August 15, after suddenly collapsing.
Khalwale announced Gloria’s death through his social media platforms, saying she suffered a heart attack before she passed away.
“My dear wife, Gloria Sekeiyan Khalwale, has this morning suddenly collapsed and died after a heart attack,” he said.
Gloria was the mother of eight children: Engine Kukaste Khalwale, Olivia Sabayi Khalwale, Flavia Shimuli Khalwale, Gift Atubukha Khalwale, Meliza Khamwenyi Khalwale, Velma Nasiebanda Khalwale, Sonia Inuni Khalwale and Maura Makatse Khalwale.
The death has brought back painful memories for Khalwale, who has now lost two wives after sudden collapses occurring on Saturday mornings.
How Did Khalwale’s First Wife Die?
Khalwale’s first wife, Adelaide Shikanga, died on Saturday, October 5, 2019, after collapsing at their home in Malinya, Ikolomani.
At the time, Khalwale said Shikanga had fallen in the bathroom and was found unconscious by a house help.
He attempted to resuscitate her but was unable to save her.
“Immediately she collapsed, she called our house help who went and found her unconscious. I attempted to resuscitate my wife who gasped her last breath in my hands,” Khalwale said following her death.
Shikanga had been battling cervical cancer since 2003 and was later diagnosed with blood cancer. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Khalwale said she had also developed pulmonary hypertension a day before her death.
What Did Khalwale Say About Adelaide?
Following Shikanga’s death, Khalwale described her as a central figure in his personal and professional journey, crediting her with helping him build his family and wealth.
“Together, we have built from scratch to where we are today. We have built our family, our education and our wealth,” he said.
Shikanga left behind three children, two sons and a daughter.
Her death was followed by an outpouring of condolences, with Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali among the leaders who visited Mukumu Mission Hospital mortuary to pay his respects.
The deaths of Gloria and Adelaide have now drawn attention to a painful similarity in Khalwale’s family history. Both women reportedly collapsed before their deaths, and both died on Saturday mornings, leaving the former senator facing another devastating loss.
