The first female mayor of Kisumu, Mama Grace Onyango, was also the first female member of Kenya's Parliament; President William Ruto remembered her as a pioneer who made it possible for women toto hold political leadership positions.
While getting care at Kisumu's Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), 98-year-old Grace Onyango passed away on Wednesday evening.
The renowned icon was a multi-handed woman who began her teaching career. She then became Kisumu Town's first female mayor from 1965 until 1969.
She was chosen to serve the Kisumu Town Constituency as the first female member of Parliament in Kenya after independence in 1969.
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The President expressed his condolences to the Onyango family, friends, and Kisumu residents upon her loss.
"Mother Grace was a trailblazer who made it possible for women to hold positions of political leadership," he said.
"She possessed enormous bravery, a strong sense of patriotism, and unwavering courage. For many years to come, every elected female leader will carry on her legacy, the Head of State continued".
She is famous for her no-nonsense approach in Parliament, where she stood firm and fought for women's rights.
"Mama Grace Onyango, who was Deputy Speaker from 1979 to 1984, became the first woman to serve in the male-dominated House. After losing the 1984 election to Wilson Ndolo Ayah, she decided to vacation from politics".
The former lawmaker's death on International Women's Day, according to her daughter Pauline Akwacha, has left a significant hole in the family and nation. She was referred to as a mentor and a pillar whose work had a beneficial influence on other women all around the country.
According to Mama Grace, the number of important positions held by women in the nation today was proof of her commitment to fighting for women's rights.
Mama Grace Onyango was hailed as a trailblazer who helped influence the nation's progress through several leaders and women.
Other prominent leaders who mourned the late Mama Grace include Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga.
Former legislator Grace Onyango has been praised by Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio La Umoja One in Kenya, as a pillar of women's leadership.
Odinga claimed she was a trailblazer in Kenya's political leadership and a fantastic role model.
He pointed out that Nyabugu, as she was affectionately known, had a significant impact on the political scene of independent Kenya through a series of firsts that made her an icon.
"With a string of "firsts," Nyabugu enlightened the political landscape of independent Kenya. It was customary to refer to Nyabugu as "the first African woman" whenever her name is mentioned. On Thursday, following Onyango's passing, Odinga expressed his condolences in a letter. "She was a trailblazer and a leader to the fullest," he said.
"Mama Grace was a politician, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother who never let her gender get in the way of competing against men and succeeding".
Onyango, according to Odinga, was an adept advocate for her people and a determined advocate for national problems.
"Onyango would be recognized for her immortality", he continued.
While receiving treatment at the Jaramogi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Onyango passed away.
Edward Onyango, her grandson, verified that she experienced age-related issues.
Before entering Parliament, she served as Kisumu's Councillor from 1965 to 1969 during the post-independence era.
Onyango held the position of Deputy Speaker from 1979 to 1984 and was the first woman to hold the position of Speaker.
