Trailblazer who broke barriers for women in politics

Grace Monica Akech Onyango, born on June 26, 1924, in Sakwa, Nyanza Province, was a trailblazing Kenyan educator and politician whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

She began her career as a teacher after training at Vihiga Teachers’ Training College, later becoming a headmistress and a respected community leader involved in child welfare and the Girl Guides movement.

Her natural leadership, strong voice for social justice and passion for community service led her to enter politics at a time when women were largely excluded from leadership, especially in the political arena.

In the early 1960s, she was elected as the first female Councillor in Kisumu, representing Kaloleni Ward. When Mayor Mathias Ondiek passed away in 1965, Onyango courageously contested the mayoral seat against six male opponents. Her victory marked a historic milestone; she became the first female mayor in Kenya and East Africa.

As Mayor of Kisumu from 1965 to 1969, Grace Onyango championed gender inclusion, introducing progressive policies that prioritised the hiring of widows and daughters of deceased municipal workers. She also spearheaded the Africanisation of street names to honour local heroes and celebrate cultural identity.

Under her leadership, Kisumu earned recognition as one of the cleanest towns in East Africa. However, her tenure was not without challenges. In 1969, she contested and won the Kisumu Town Parliamentary seat, becoming Kenya’s first elected female Member of Parliament.

In the House, she fiercely challenged discriminatory practices, championed the rights of women and children, and was an unrelenting critic of political injustice.

Onyango passed away on March 8, 2023, at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of courage, integrity and commitment to public service that continues to pave the way for women in leadership across Kenya.