By Iko Siku
She was strong, resolute and powerful in life and in death.
The unprecedented outpouring of praise and appreciation from every quarter of Kenyan life demonstrated the strength, power and influence that Edith Mawia Malombe, the late wife of the pioneer Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe, commanded after only a few years in public life.
During her husband’s tenure as Governor, Mrs Edith Malombe was the Queen Mother, custodian and Ambassador at large; at all times defending her husband’s government to the hilt. She was firm but also provided the warmth of the mother figure. She was feared, loved and respected in equal measure.
And in death, her power and influence has brought bountiful support to her husband’s candidature; a boon that Malombe’s competitors may not easily undo without a magic strategy.
That her death did turn the county and national focus to Dr Malombe bagging him unrivalled political goodwill can not be gainsaid.
Her sudden death elicited a flood of honour and praise from even the most unexpected quarters such as her husband’s avowed political competitors and enemies; Governor Charity Ngilu, former Senator David Musila, Ambassador Kiema Kilonzo and former Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke.
Secondly, the impact of the flowery tributes from President Uhuru Kenyatta, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, DP William Ruto, former VP Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui MPs, Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko, Environment Ministry Permanent Secretaries, Speaker George Ndotto, professionals, former MPs and MCAs, Kitui County Government workers, et cetra, et cetra inevitably send shock waves into enemy camps.
For weeks if not months, that emotive moment of compassion and tenderness; that positive focus and nostalgia on Dr. Malombe and his achievements; should serve to sway many a commoner to his camp and engender greater goodwill. Yea, it should solidify the county-wide pro-Malombe euphoria courtesy of the late Mrs Edith Mawia Malombe.
And in his enemy camp, that should set them into motion on how to tame the political tsunami that was stirred up. And dig deeper!
Similarly, Malombe’s team must not sit on their laurels basking in the current galaxy of glory and goodwill. They must work harder on how to guard, retain and transform the emboldened euphoria into actual votes.
Only time will tell!
