My pillar: Husband mourns wife who died in an accident while going to Utumishi Academy
By William Muthama, June 13, 2026Emmanuel Koskei, husband of Irene Faith, the woman who died in a road accident while heading to Utumishi Academy following a distress call linked to the school tragedy, has spoken emotionally about her, describing her as the backbone of their family and the force behind their 23-year relationship.
Speaking during the burial service held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, he said her death has brought an abrupt end to a union built on companionship, sacrifice, and shared responsibility in raising their children.
A life built together
Koskei reflected on more than two decades of marriage, saying Irene Faith played a central role in shaping their home and supporting his daily life.
“My best friend, my confidant, my pillar, my base has just left me,” he said. “For me to be what I am, for me to wake up in the morning and go to work, all those years, it is because of her.”
He described her as a deeply committed partner who chose to personally raise their children without a house help, a decision he said defined her strength and character.
Koskei said their family endured challenges like any other household, but remained united and private in difficult moments.
“We’ve lived not a rusty life all through, but I call her an old-season woman. Whenever we were down, just like any other family, no one could know that we are down as a family,” he said.
He added that their children admired her deeply, often saving her contact name in their phones as “Wonder Woman.”
Final journey
Koskei recounted the final moments leading to the tragedy, saying they were responding to a distress call involving their daughter when the accident occurred.
“We were going for our daughter because of the distress call… I saw it was only 40 minutes away and I would be in school. Little did I know that was our last routine,” he said.
He pledged to take full responsibility for their children, honouring her legacy and wishes.
“The children we have had together… I will take care of them as long as I’m living,” he said. “So be rest assured, wherever you are, that they are happy.”