Members of Parliament are calling on the National Government to cover the funeral expenses of Grace Onyango, the first female MP in Kenya who recently passed away in Kisumu.

During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Kiambu MP Machua Waithaka urged Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to rally MPs and the government to provide necessary assistance to the bereaved family and give Onyango a dignified sendoff.

“Honourable Speaker, in her death, we celebrate the life of a women’s rights defender and vocal advocate of the rights of women and children who laid the foundation for the participation of women in elective politics in this country,” MP Waithaka said.

Waithaka described Onyango as a champion of women’s and children’s rights and an advocate for the participation of women in politics. Onyango, who was a retired teacher and politician, broke cultural barriers in Kenyan politics as the first woman to hold several high-ranking positions, including Mayor of Kisumu, Deputy Speaker, and Secretary General of the Luo Union.

BY SAMUEL WECHULI