Moody Awori’s daughter dies

The family of former Vice President Moody Awori is mourning the death of their daughter Marya Elizabeth Adjibodou.

Adjibodou died on Tuesday evening.

Until her death, the deceased worked as a Principal Assistant Clerk in the Senate.

Her death was confirmed by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during the House sitting on Wednesday afternoon. The cause of her death is, however, yet to be revealed.

"It is with deep sorrow that I notify you of the untimely demise of Mrs Marya Elizabeth Adjibodou, Principal Clerk Assistant I,  serving in the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services in the Senate," Kingi announced.

Kingi eulogised Adjibodou as an exceptional and diligent parliamentary officer who was committed to excellent service delivery.

"The late Adjibodou has been an exceptional parliamentary officer who personified commitment and diligence in service. Her death is indeed a big loss to the Parliamentary Service, the Senate in particular and the wider parliamentary fraternity," Kingi said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are now with her family, friends and colleagues at this most tragic time."

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot described Adjibodou as a down-to-earth lady, saying one would hardly know she came from an influential background.

"It took a while for those who have served with Marya over the years in this House to come to terms with the fact that we now have to speak about her in past tense. This sounds like a bad dream that someone I sat 10 metres away from yesterday looking fully energetic and served as well here in the Senate is no more," Cheruiyot said.

"We celebrate Marya, a very humble lady. I say this having served as chairperson of the staff welfare for five years and interacting with many of our staffers here in parliament knowing their gifts and backgrounds. You would never know that she came from one of the most respected families in the country. She served senators and members of staff equally and respected everybody that sought her services. The Senate is poorer right now because of her absence."

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said: "She joined the Parliament when she was young. I, too, was young. You could never tell that she was the daughter of Moody Awori. 

"My special condolences to Uncle Moody and the family. Fare thee well my sister. I was shocked when you mentioned her name."

Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said Adjibodou's work in the Senate was "truly remarkable".

"I extend my deepest condolences to former Vice-President H.E Moody Awori for losing his beloved daughter, Maria Elizabeth. Maria was a diligent Senate staffer whose work as a Principal Assistant Clerk was truly remarkable. Indeed, no words can express the pain of losing a child. My thoughts and prayers are with H.E Awori and his family during this difficult time. May they find solace in God and the cherished memories they shared as a family," Gideon Moi wrote on Twitter.

I extend my deepest condolences to former Vice-President H.E Moody Awori for losing his beloved daughter, Maria Elizabeth. Maria was a diligent Senate staffer whose work as a Principal Assistant Clerk was truly remarkable. Indeed, no words can express the pain of losing a child.…— Gideon K. Moi (@MoiGideon) June 7, 2023