Mama Dorka Owino Nyong’o was born in the 1920s at Ratta, Kisumu County. Until her demise, the mother of Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was not only a staunch member of the ACK, Ratta Parish, but also a deaconess in the same church. She was a role model not only to her children but also to the community and society where she lived.
Other than the widely known Prof Nyong’o, Dorka’s other children are professors, doctors, lawyers and engineers. Governor Nyong’o’s siblings include Dr Nyagoy Nyong’o, Dr Juliana Otieno, and Eng Joel Mudhune.
As a deaconess, as she was popularly known, Dorka supported the church in development projects such as building hostels for girls and helping educate poor children.
She was also a philanthropist and tireless fundraiser with a heart for donating her wealth. Her plight for the poor was evident as she was ready to support projects for the less fortunate.