The first post-independence female Member of Parliament and Mayor in Kenya, Mama Grace Monica Akech Onyango, has died at 99.
Her daughter Pauline Akwacha confirmed Akech died on Wednesday evening at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital's Intensive Care Unit after an illness bravely borne.
The trailblazer’s death sadly comes when the entire world was celebrating International Women’s Day, whose theme this year was ‘Embrace Equity’.
Akwacha credited her mother for the many seats occupied by women in various sectors in the country, especially in the political scene.
"She was not only a mother but a pillar, a teacher and a mentor, whose fruits of struggle are evident by the many seats occupied by women in various sectors, especially in politics," Akwacha said.
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Kisumu County Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong'o remembered her fondly as a selfless, focused, brave and visionary who mentored girls and women leaders.
Nyong’o recently visited Akech and together they shared wonderful moments and intimated she was doing well.
On his social media accounts, Nyong'o expressed his sorrow at learning of Mama Akech's demise whom he referred to as a great icon.
"I have learned with profound sorrow, the passing one of the greatest icon of our times- Mama Grace Monica Akech Onyango," Nyong'o wrote.
"Nyabungu, as we knew her, was a pillar of women leadership and a great role model who blazed the trail in political leadership in Kenya...Go thee Well Nyabungu."
Nyong’o further said Akech’s death on International Women’s Day was as remarkable as it was confounding.
"Her death, on International Women’s Day, is as remarkable as it is confounding," Nyong’o said.
"She broke the ceiling in leadership long before the country started the campaigns for gender parity. Grace was selfless, focused, brave and visionary. A mother and grandmother to many, she will be remembered for mentoring girls and young women leaders.”
Mama Akech became the first Kenyan female mayor in 1965 when she replaced Mathias Ondiek after being elected the councillor of Kaloleni Ward in Kisumu.
She was elected Kisumu Town Constituency Member of Parliament. in 1969 making her the first post-independence Kenyan female MP.
She well be remembered for her policy under which widows or female members of families would replace a serving male employee of the council that died.
Akech also initiated the renaming of Kisumu Town streets after key African political leaders such as Oginga Odinga, Paul Mboya and Milton Obote.
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