By Anderson Ojwang
They defied odds, stigma, and cultural barriers that negated women’s place in the pre- and post-colonial eras.
They were indeed a special breed of women who, in their own ways, rewrote the story of women in pre- and post-colonial Kenya.
By their names, they broke all the barriers and became the beacon of hope, and chartered a path in the male-dominated fields to hand over the keys to womenfolk in all spectrums.
In them, just like their matrimonial homes, Gem, which in the English language refers to precious stones or jewels, or something of great value and beauty, indeed, they lived up to the definition.
In Nyanza, Gem is viewed as a special area in the region, and it is often joked that it is the land of plenty and intellectuals.
In Siaya County, Gem has dominated in nearly all spheres.
It is the brain and economic basket of Saiya County.
That is why the history of Nyanza and the Country is not complete without the two great women from Gem, who have left indelible marks in the socio-economic, cultural, educational and political landscape of the country.
The two great women were all named Grace, and they stormed and shaped the country’s future of women in leadership and have remained a beacon of hope and icons.
The late Mama Grace Monica Akech Onyango was the country’s first elected woman member of parliament, first woman deputy speaker, and first Kisumu mayor and was revered not only in the region but nationally.
She came from Bondo.
Grace became the mayor of Kisumu between 1965-1969 and was elected to the parliament in 1969 to represent Kisumu Town Constituency.
Onyango was the first woman to sit in the speaker’s chair as temporary deputy speaker, and served as deputy speaker from 1979 to 1984.
Onyango also served as the first Secretary General of the Luo Union, and her political career ended after she lost the seat in 1984.
The late Mama Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot was the first Anglophone female Kenyan writer to be published; she was one of the first Kenyan members of parliament and became an assistant minister.
Ogot was a nurse, author, journalist, politician and diplomat who ran a bookstore in the heart of Kisumu City.
She has several publications to her name, such as Land With Thunder, The Island of Tears, Aloo Kod Apul, and The Graduate.
Miaha, The Other Woman, The Promised Land, The Strange Bride, Simbi Nyaima, The Royal Bead and Princess Nyilaak.
In 1983, she became a member of parliament and was appointed an assistant Minister.
From Bondo and Asembo came two powerful women, who got married in Gem and shared a similar name, which the dictionary aptly captures their true traits and identities.
“Grace” has multiple meanings, encompassing both physical elegance and spiritual concept.
In Christian theology, grace is often understood as freely given, unmerited favour of God, providing assistance and enabling individuals to live a holy life.
The two Graces’ espoused physical elegance, which many agreed was that they behaved with a smooth, pleasing and refined quality, which is currently rare.
Despite their national stature, the two Graces remained polite and kind in behaviour as they were considerate, thoughtful, polite, patient and kind to others.
The two ladies found favour not only in God’s eyes but with the people.
They had special privileges and were looked upon as mentors to date.
According to Prof James Obondi Otieno, who served with Onyango at the Board of Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital, then New Nyanza Provincial Hospital, the former mayor stood for truth, justice and abhorred corruption.
“Mama Onyango was so motherly but detested corruption.
She liked transparency and accountability.
She did not want to see injustice done to people.
She was a mediator and cherished peace and love,” he says.
Prof Otieno says that after Onyango retired from politics, she remained neutral and never took sides.
She was into charity and philanthropy work, which made the residents revere her most.
The clerk to Kisumu County Assembly, Mr. Owen Ojuok, says Ogot opened the creativity and literary world not only to women but budding authors.
“We studied Ogot’s book as a set book, and they were so rich and apart from her literary works, she had immense influence in development in Gem and other parts of Nyanza,” he says.
Ojuok says the two women were unique and influential in their ways and had such a great impact on society.
Ojuok says the dressing style of Onyango and Ogot was so unique, rich and valuable.
They represented a true African woman and showcased what motherhood and parenthood stood for..
“Ogot was so humble and motherly.
She supported orphans and was more committed to education.
That was her passion,” he says.
Ojuok says Kisumu’s social hall has been renamed Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in honour of her contributions to the development and growth of the region.
The facility is today a hub for arts, research, sports and an educational centre and is one of the oldest social halls in Kisumu and first opening its doors during the pre-colonial era.
Mama Ogot and her family also left a mark in Gem and Siaya counties, where they donated land where Odera Akango University sits.
Kisumu businessman Mr. Edward Onyango alias Bob says the contribution of the two great women is an inspiration to the current generation, and their mentorship roles still influence the region’s residents.
“Onyango participated in the delineation of Kisumu from Siaya, and they did it seamlessly.
She supported several orphans and needy persons, which is currently being replicated by her grandchildren.
The story of Kisumu and Kenya is incomplete without Onyango, and the same is true of Ogot.
These were special women of substance.
We celebrate their contributions,” he says.
Edward, who is a grandson of Onyango, says the grandmother instilled in them a sense of responsibility, justice and service to the community.
“Our grandma taught us to always give a helping hand.
She was so loving but strict.
She respected the law, and that is some of the traits we have inherited from her,” he says.
