Dr. Charles Onchoke, MP for Bonchari Constituency
A somber but heartfelt eulogy marked the funeral of Josephine Anyona on Sunday, December 29, 2024, as Dr. Charles Onchoke, MP for Bonchari Constituency, joined mourners in celebrating her remarkable life and legacy.
The ceremony, held in Dallas, brought together family, friends, and members of the Kenyan diaspora to honor a woman described as a beacon of faith, generosity, and resilience.
Speaking on behalf of 20 Members of Parliament from Kenya’s Gusii region, Dr. Onchoke painted a vivid picture of Josephine Anyona’s impact on her family, community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Josephine was not only a daughter, wife, mother, and sister but also an altruist, a friend, provider, benefactor, and role model to many,” he said. “She was a woman of candor, faith, honor, integrity, purpose, and valor.” Dr. Onchoke’s eulogy read.
In his deeply personal remarks, the MP said Anyona’s role as a source of wise counsel and unwavering support. He also lauded her for her generosity and nurturing spirit, which extended even to sharing organic foods such as enderema, risosa, and egesare, a testament to her deep connection to her roots.
Addressing the family, including Josephine’s husband Evans, children, and the wider Onchoke and Ongera families, Dr. Onchoke offered heartfelt condolences. “Poleni sana,” he said, expressing empathy for their grief.
He also comforted mourners with a powerful metaphor, quoting author Max Lucado: “When heaven sees a breathless body, it sees the vacated cocoon and the liberated butterfly.”
Dr. Onchoke called on those gathered to find inspiration in Anyona’s legacy, urging them to carry forward her values of love, generosity, and faith.
He said, “Josephine, we now surrender you for the angels to lift you high up to the bosom of our Heavenly Father,” he concluded. “You will have no more pain or sorrow, but plenty of joy. Fare thee well, my dear sister and friend, till we meet again.”
The funeral highlighted the strong ties between the Kenyan diaspora in the United States and their homeland, as well as the enduring bonds of community and shared heritage.
According to Dr. Onchoke, he strongly maintained that Josephine Anyona’s memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all who knew her, both in Kenya and abroad.