Last week’s death of Vicky Chebet Kones marked another tragedy in the family of the former powerful minister Kipkalya Kones, who perished in an air crash in 2008, months after winning Bomet Constituency seat.
Vicky, who at one time admitted her addiction to alcohol, died under unclear circumstances with the family remaining tight lipped over the latest tragedy in the family of a man who was at one time considered South Rift kingpin.
“Vicky had been unwell but her condition worsened on Tuesday night. She was rushed to hospital where the doctors tried to stabilize her but, unfortunately, she did not make it,” her brother Kevin Kones said on Friday.
Two months ago, Mr Kones’ son, Collins Kones committed suicide in Nakuru, with family wrangles taking center stage. He was admitted at a Nakuru hospital before succumbing.
Her mother, Beatrice Kones, who serves as second term MP for Bomet East, revealed that Collins had sent a message informing her of the intended suicide. She revealed during his funeral.
“He sent me a message stating he was taking his life and I should take care of his children. The action was unwarranted as he did not lack anything,” said Mrs Kones.
After Kones’ death in 2008, Beatrice replaced him on an ODM ticket. She would however lose in 2013 following the Jubilee race. Mr Kones’ first won Bomet seat in 1988, after the death of Isaac Salat, Nick Salat’s father.
But in 2017, the family came again in the limelight after Mrs Kones faced her son, Kipng’etich Kones in Bomet East constituency. He accused his mother of poor performance during her tenure.
However, Beatrice managed to scoop the seat while Kones Junior, who ran on CCM party, emerged forth.
But all have not been well with the two, and it is said they do not see each other eye to eye.