Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso has died at Nairobi Hospital after a battle with cancer. Laboso had been receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital after seeking further treatment from the UK and India. She had been put under bed rest on Monday, with the number of those visiting her limited, according to officials. During her stay in the UK and India, Bomet Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok was overseeing affairs at the County, and the condition of her illness was kept private. Her body has been moved to the Lee Funeral Home.
Leaders flocked to the Funeral Home to view her body, including Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy CS Charles Keter, Water CS Simon Chelugui among others. President Uhuru Kenyatta has led the condolences, terming Laboso as an icon of women leadership in Kenya, “May God grant the family, residents of Bomet and all Kenyans the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Speaking at Lee, Deputy President William Ruto said she was a hardworking leader, “Joyce was a courageous, hardworking, very progressive woman leader in Kenya.” He said he had visited Laboso on Sunday and she was conscious, adding that with the pain she had to ensure through medication, God has finally rested her. He said the government will ensure she is given a befitting send off. Raila said her demise is a major blow to the nation of Kenya. “We have lost Joyce Laboso, a great lady to the nation, a strong fighter for justice and freedom,” said Raila.
