Women’s rights activist Sureya Roble Hersi passed away Friday morning at a Mombasa hospital.
The burial was on Friday afternoon.
The wife of veteran hotelier Mohamed Hersi was actively involved in Coast politics and advocated women's and children's rights across the country.
Until her death, she was the national treasurer of the coastal political party Pamoja Africa Alliance (PAA), founded ahead of the 2022 general election.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, who is also a PAA party leader, expressed shock and sorrow over her death.
“Mama Sureya was a visionary political leader who tirelessly promoted the
party’s ideals of inclusivity and economic empowerment for the marginalised,
including women and youth,” Kingi said in a statement.
He described her as “a humble, selfless and tolerant soul, a role model and inspiration to women whose interests she championed, regardless of their background or political affiliation.”
Previously, Sureya served as the national vice chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, chairwoman of the Coast Water Works Development Agency and the Agricultural Society of Kenya.
She unsuccessfully ran for the Mombasa Woman Representative in 2013 under the Republican Congress Party.
Maimuna Mwidau, a close friend and fellow PAA official, said Sureya’s death left a void in their party and coastal politics.
“She was more than a friend; she was like a sister. Selfless, people-centred, and humble, she touched countless lives, and replacing her will be difficult,” Mwidau said.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro expressed sadness over her death.
“She was known for her warm and friendly nature, which brought decency to our politics. Her loss is deeply felt in the Coast region,” he said.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shahbal praised Sureya as a powerful woman who shared a vision for transforming Mombasa.
“She often encouraged me during tough times. We walked together in our political journey, sharing a passion not just for Mombasa but for all Kenyans,” he said.
“Mombasa has lost a powerful voice.”
Burial was planned after Friday afternoon prayers at Kikowani Muslim Cemetery.