Thousands of mourners on Thursday thronged into Sotik club 181 grounds to pay their last respect to the late Bomet Governor, Dr. Joyce Laboso.
They started arriving at the grounds as early as 7.00am in the morning despite announcements that the body was to arrive in Sotik in the afternoon.
Geoffrey Rotich, a resident who was accompanied with his three children said that he had to wake up early and come to the grounds so that he will get space to view the body of their beloved leader.
The police helicopter carrying the body of Dr Laboso touched Club 181 grounds at 3.30 pm accompanied by the family members led by her husband, Dr. Edwin Abonyo and the four children (Two of his own and two adopted).
Sotik residents wailed when the casket containing the remains of Dr. Laboso was removed from the helicopter and the security personnel had hectic moments to control the crowd as the Red Cross staff performed first aid on mourners who fainted and ferried others to hospital.
Five members of Parliament led by Bomet Central Legislator, Ronald Tonui said that the county had lost a visionary leader who through her efforts Bomet leadership was united.
“Dr Laboso was a role model not only for the girl child of Bomet but national leaders who fought for the rights of women and all Kenyans in general,” Mr Tonui said.
He said that she was a source of motivation for women to education a reason as to why in the past two years, girl schools were leading over boy’s schools in the county.
The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Energy, Charles Keter said that Dr Laboso’s leadership had brought peace to the South Rift region and through her initiative the Lake region economic block was formed.
The CS appealed to the incoming Governor, Dr. Hilary Barchok to ensure that the manifesto and projects started by Dr. Laboso are accomplished.
Laboso’s husband Abonyo thanked the people of Sotik for giving her the opportunity to serve them and the people of Bomet for voting her as the governor of Bomet.
The function was attended by Kericho Governor, Prof. Paul Chepkwony, the Cabinet Secretary Lands, Faridah Karoney, the Bomet Senator, Christopher Langat and a host of MPs and MCAs from across the country.
By Joseph Obwocha
