A sombre mood has gripped the tiny Mufutu village of Lugari location, Lugari Sub County following the death of the Lugari branch Maendeleo Ya Wanawake (MYW) treasurer Mrs. Lydia Rose Manyengo. According to her son Denis Manyengo, her mother has been in and out of the hospital after being diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.
He said his mother’s situation worsened since August last year and she has been in various hospitals including Kakamega General hospital, Chereng’any, Medheal and Cheptais hospital where she met her demise on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment.
Speaking to West Media Lugari branch MYW chairlady Irene Murunga described the late Mrs. Manyengo as a good, trusted and hardworking colleague who was dedicated to fighting for women and girl child rights in the Sub County and the entire Kakamega County.
According to Murunga, Mrs. Manyengo was liberal-minded and showed sincerity, respect, toleration and cooperation with people from all corner of the world irrespective of their age or position they hold in society
“As MYW organization we have indeed lost a great dynamic and devoted leader who had committed her efforts to promoting understanding among wananchi from different origins, creed and ethnic groups,” said Mrs. Murunga.
Before being elected the Sub County MYW treasure in 2013, Mrs. Manyengo served as Lugari division Maendeleo ya wanawake chairlady a position she held between 2003–2013.
Mrs. Murunga who is also the Lugari Sub County adult education officer said being a civil servant at times she could not attend MYW meeting and she always used Mrs. Manyengo who represented her so well starting from the Sub County up to the national level.
“She was so flexible and represented me well in all meeting that I couldn’t attend and she was always willing to take any assignment concerning Maendeleo ya Wanawake in any part of the country. Death has really robbed me a great friend,” said Mrs. Murunga.
Apart from Maendeleo ya wanawake organization Mrs. Manyengo served and even chaired various development organizations and committees at both Sub County and county level.
Prior to her demise, she had rolled out a serious campaign against increased cases of rape and defilement cases within Lugari Sub County vowing to ensure perpetrators were dealt with according to the law and help reduce the vice.
Her body is at Lumboka mortuary in Bungoma as the family, friends and relatives go on with burial arrangements scheduled for Saturday 20th, January 2018 at her home in Mufutu, Lugari Sub County, Kakamega County.