First Lady Margaret has joined in mourning the death of an 18-year old girl whose poem on HIV/Aids moved her last Thursday in Busia where she presided over the delivery of the 42nd Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic.
In a message she delivered through Busia Governor’s wife, Judy Ojaamong, the First Lady said she was shocked to hear of the sudden death of Francisca Achieng coming just four days after she delivered a moving poem entitled ‘HIV’.
Margaret said Francisca will be remembered for accepting her status and becoming an ambassador of hope.
“She urged the youth to emulate her heroic exploits by standing up and shrugging off stigma associated with victims of the scourge.” She said.
Achieng who was living with the virus died on Tuesday morning at Murumba Sub County hospital where she was rushed after she fell ill at their Sikarira village home in Butula Sub County.
Judy Ojaamong said Achieng was using various forums to encourage other youths not to shy away from declaring their status in public.
Mrs. Ojaamong recalled in December last year when she encouraged over 450 girls during teen mentorship at Kisoko Girls Secondary School in Nambale Sub County.
Her message through the poem left hundreds of people who had attended the handing over of 42nd Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic to Busia County by the First Lady moved to the borne.
Achieng in her narration of the poem said she never loved or welcomed M.r HIV in her life but he penetrated it.
“I still carry you around to church, Nairobi and back. I carry you upstairs and down. We share ugali and ingokho but you continue eating me slowly although I hate you with passion.” Part of the poem went.
“My grave is your grave, my burial is also yours. Take time to eat me. Live in my blood comfortably but Tuheshimiane Mr. HIV na Tuishi mpaka washangae.” (Let’s respect one another until they become perplexed). Achieng’s poem ended.
