Ontario Kenyans hold service to honour Lucy Kibaki and Nairobi flash floods victims

This past weekend, the Kenyan Community in Ontario held a memorial service for the late H.E Lucy Kibaki at Living Hope Family Church in Toronto.

The service also incorporated prayers for those affected by the flash floods tragedies in Nairobi; the dead and injured of the collapsed Huruma building and the perimeter wall near Lenana.

During her time in office Mama Lucy as she was often referred to, was never far from controversy; but this memorial service brought to the fore the leadership and personality traits of Mrs Kibaki that were often overlooked.

The Kenya High Commission in Ottawa was represented by the Deputy Head of Mission, Amb (Prof) Jane Onsongo and Scholastica Nzioki.

The service coincided with Mother’s Day, a point Amb Onsongo called befitting as Mama Lucy was not only a leader but also a loving mother and grandmother.

Various speakers noted the former First Lady’s achievements and virtues that she upheld.

According to Amb Onsongo, Mama Lucy’s notable support was to women, the girl child and the poor in general. “She was a true patriot and philanthropist who went out of her way to support the weak and vulnerable members of the society.”

“She contributed immensely in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic,” continued Amb Onsongo urging Kenyans to give back to society by helping the needy amongst us.

In her opening speech, former political leader and advocate for women’s rights Flora Igoki Terah nudged Kenyans to remember that as the first visible first lady in 24 years, Mama Lucy was the one who reintroduced the office of the First Lady & its role to Kenyans, thus giving women much-needed representation within the corridors of power.

Terah noted that “In 2002 the Late Mrs. Kibaki was among the 37 African First Ladies that met in Geneva in an historic meeting facilitated by UNAIDS and the International Aids Trust to discuss their role in fighting HIV/ AIDS.”

“That is when the OAFLA (Office of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS) was founded.” Added Terah, encouraging Kenyans to support the Office of The First Lady (OFL) “…since it is an office that continues to transform the lives of women and children in Kenya.”

Speakers also noted that Her Excellency was never intimidated by journalists and cameras in her quest to protect and defend her family.

Host clergy Bishop William Kimando echoed other speakers calling Mrs Kibaki “a bold and courageous woman who never shied away from standing for justice and equality for the family and marginalised, a true mother of the nation.”

“The press may have tried to define her” said Kimando, “but this never deterred her from her purpose”.

Diaspora Kenyans Unite

There was a call for Kenyans to remain united in spite of their differences.

“The former first lady showed that you can balance family, friendship, and career, and most importantly touch other people’s lives.” Terah stated.

Bishop Kimando remarked that the late First Lady showed Kenyans they can work together selflessly for a better purpose. “We in the Diaspora must unify and work for a better Kenya,” he said, “We may have different political opinions, but we should be able to reason without becoming enemies.”

Amb Onsongo recognized Kenyans all over Canada for their participation in issues related to Kenya and for unity regardless of creed, race, or tribe. She also commended their patriotism as evidenced in the coming together in 2015 to remember the victims of Garissa University attack and condemn all acts of terrorism in Kenya.

“As a Mission we do not take for granted the support you have extended in facilitating the shipping or interment of the remains of our dear Kenyans who pass on in this country.” She said.

The Deputy Ambassador also acknowledged the Community’s ongoing initiative to support a needy Kenyan student in Cuba through online monetary donations.

Amb Onsongo went on to describe as noble the numerous other ways Kenyans contribute to the socio-economic development of Kenya such as through remittances, investment, transfer of skills/technology and tourism.

“That is a true Kenyan spirit that we cherish and are therefore proud of you.” She expressed, urging Kenyans to at all times be good ambassadors of Kenya by portraying positive character and obeying the laws of the host country.

The service was organized by Flora Igoki Terah and the KCO Women’s Forum. It was hosted by Bishop & Mrs. Kimando of the Living Hope Family Church, Toronto.

Photos courtesy Kenya High Commission, Ottawa

~By Essie Wambui for Wakenya Canada