Khalwale: Not cancer, this is what killed my wife in just 2 days

Former Kakamega Senator, Dr. Boni Khalwale, says his first wife, Adelaide Khalwale, succumbed to pulmonary hypertension on Saturday, and not cancer as earlier reported in the media.

Khalwale said his spouse was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2003, but a series of unrelenting treatments rid her of the disease.

The ex-senator says Adelaide would — in early 2019 — be diagnosed with another type of cancer affecting the blood, but she healed recently following regular and committed treatment.

Khalwale said two days ago [Thursday, October 3], Adelaide was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension which killed her barely 48 hours later.

Khalwale made the revelations while speaking to KTN News at his Kakamega home on Saturday.

“I wish to announce to members of my extended family that Adelaide is dead,” said Khalwale, adding: “Adelaide is my wife of 39 years.”

“She was first diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Throughout her fight with cancer, we refused to be intimidated by the possibility of her dying. We remained steadfast, but unfortunately this morning [Saturday, October 5], she died.

“Ironically, she did not succumb to cancer. The cancer she had from 2003 was cancer of the cervix. We fought it, we operated on her and put her on chemotherapy. She, eventually, recovered.

“This year, she, again, developed cancer of the blood known as multiple myeloma, and we put her on standard treatment – chemotherapy, which she completed the dose. Only this week, we went back to the cancer center, where we did the profile of the bone marrow, profiles of the blood and confirmed that the cancer had been cured by the chemotherapy,” said Khalwale.

“Then two days ago, she developed what we call pulmonary hypertension. For only two days that she has taken medicine for the ailment, she stopped breathing, and that is it.

“We are finding it very difficult [to believe that she is dead], but as a medical doctor, I always knew that, as a cancer patient, she was a short way from death. But, we did not think that she would die now from pulmonary hypertension.

“I want to thank the doctors at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital [who attended to Adelaide]. I also want to thank Masinde Muliro University where she worked; they have supported me in the manner that I had never expected that an employer would support an employee,” said Khalwale.

Following news of his wife’s death, the ex-Ikolomani MP, said his phone has been ringing constantly, with several leaders calling to condole with him.

“A lot of people [have called], I am [even] unable to pick some of the calls. I have received calls from DP William Ruto, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and many more. We are hoping that, if my family allows, we shall give Adelaide a short and dignified funeral. Our eldest brother, who is 86 years old, will guide us on that,” said the former senator.

Adelaide’s body was Saturday morning taken to Mukumu Mission Hospital morgue.

Boni Khalwale in previous media interviews revealed that he has two wives, the now-late Adelaide and his second partner Josephine Khalwale.

Deputy President William Ruto took to Twitter Saturday morning to condole with Khalwale’s family.

“Condolences to the family and friends of Hon. @KBonimtetezi for the loss of your wife, Adelaide. Mama Adelaide was a pillar in your life, generous and kind. Thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. Rest in Peace,” he said.

Also taking to the microblogging site, was Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula, who said: “My heartfelt condolences to my brother Bonny Khalwale and his family following the loss of his first wife. May the good Lord rest her soul in eternal peace. Amen!”

The ex-senator’s wife worked as a secretary at the Department of Education at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega County.