The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio arrived in Kenema in the early hours of Saturday February 11, 2023 to join thousands of mourners from across the country to pay last respect to a fallen soldier – the late Ms. Kema Kanneh.
Ms Kema Kanneh – fallen gallant officer of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has been laid to rest at the Sembehun Cemetery.
Earlier, representatives of His Excellency the President, the First Lady, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing and Associates, arrived at the Dauda Town family residence of the late woman to officially extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio arrives shortly after at the family residence to join other mourners.
In attendance at the family house includes Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Minister of Sports, Chief Executive of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), Presidential Spokesman, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Internal Affairs, Former Inspector General of Police Ambrose Sovula, Leader of Government Business, Immigration Boss, Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, SLPP Women’s Leader, Chairman SLPP Alex Prince Harding, Special Adviser to President John Oponjo Benjamin and Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the President Prof. P.K Muana.
Paying glowing tribute to the late woman, the State House Imam described her as a fervent Muslim that frequents Jummah (Friday) Congregational Prayers with the State House Jammat.
“Her father is a Christian but she chooses to worship as a Muslim,” he disclosed.
The representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) described the fallen heroine as a gallant soldier that departed this earth in active service.
“We appreciate her commitment to work as we all watched in admiration as she excelled in the military as one of our finest products,” Lieutenant General Dauda Alpha said, while praying for her gentle soul to Rest In Peace.
The family expressed appreciation to Her Excellency the First Lady, her husband and the Government of Sierra Leone for the love and support towards the family in this trying moment.
The mortal remains were later conveyed to the Central Mosque in Kenema where final Islamic rites were performed before escorting the body to its final resting place amid thousands of mourners.
The Office of the First Lady wrote on social media: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of one of the female close protection guards of Her Excellency the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. Madam Kema Kanneh departed this earth in the early hours of Friday February 10 2023 following a gruesome ‘accident’ that took place in the evening hours of Monday February 6 2023 along the Makeni Highway, when a truck rammed into the First Lady’s convoy”.
“The Office of the First Lady extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the fallen heroine. We are in close touch with the bereaved family as funeral arrangements progresses”.
“Her Excellency the First Lady is heartbroken as she mourns the loss of a lady she considers her daughter. She has visited the family house of the late heroine at Gooding Drive as hundreds pour in to sympathize with the family. The late young lady would be remembered for her dedicated service to the state as a serving member of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and lately the Office of the First Lady. May the soul of the faithfully departed rest in perfect peace”.
