Grace Onyango: Ruto Mourns Death Of Kenya's First Female MP

President William Ruto has penned a message of condolence following the death of Kenya's first post-independence female Member of Parliament (MP) Grace Onyango on Wednesday, March 8.

In a statement on Thursday, March 9, the Head of State praised Mama Grace as a pioneer for women to ascend to the high tables in terms of political leadership.

He hailed the departed's courage and patriotism as well as her legacy which will live on through every elected female leader in the present and future.

A photo of Kenya's first post-independence MP the late Mama Grace Onyango. /FILE

"My condolences to the family, friends and people of Kisumu following the passing of Grace Onyango, the first female mayor of Kisumu and the first woman member of Parliament in Kenya. Mama Grace was a trailblazer who opened the door for the participation of women in political leadership.

"She was a woman of great courage, deep patriotism and unflinching courage. Her legacy will endure through every elected female leader for generations to come," he wrote.

On his part, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o wrote “Grace was selfless, focused and visionary. A mother and grandmother to many. She will be remembered for mentoring young girls and women leaders."

The late Mama Onyango passed away at the age of 99 at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, according to her daughter, Pauline Akwacha.

The former MP was receiving treatment at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after a prolonged illness.

Her death came a few hours after women across Nyanza celebrated her for her contribution to women's empowerment and inspiration to political leadership on International Women’s Day.

Grace was among the first few women to break through a male-dominated political world by becoming the first female MP at a time when only a few women had an interest in politics.

The celebrated icon was a woman of many fists who started out as a teacher. She later served as the first female Mayor of Kisumu Town from 1965-1969.

In 1969 she was elected as the first female MP in post-independence Kenya, representing Kisumu Town Constituency. In Parliament, she is remembered for her no-nonsense demeanour, as she stood firm and championed the rights of women.

In a male-dominated House, Mama Grace Onyango went ahead and became the first woman to act as Deputy Speaker, a position she held from 1979-1984. She took a break from politics after losing the seat to Wilson Ndolo Ayah in 1984.

Last year, Onyango was recognised by former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Gender Margaret Kobia for her contribution to women's leadership.

A photo of Kenya's first post-independence MP the late Mama Grace Onyango. /KNA