Leaders mourn first woman to become MP in Gusii

BY ERIC ABUGA        

Ms Catherine Nyamato collapsed suddenly by the roadside at her Kijauri home, Nyamira County, on Wednesday afternoon. 

She is said to have engaging with some boda boda riders outside her gate when the she collpased. She was immediately rushed to a local health facility, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ekerebi,as she was referred by her electorates during her political career, was a national advocate who campaigned against early marriages and FGM and low female literary rates.

With her passing, several leaders fromm Gusii region have mourned the first ever woman from Gusii region to become  a member of parliment. She served as West Mugirango MP 1992-1997.

Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri says the loss of Ms Nyamato is a huge loss to women leadership in Gusii and Kenya at large. 

She remembers Ms Nyamato as the first of women in Kenya who relentlessly advocated for women leadership when she was Chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake and after nomination to Parliament by the KANU Party.

"She relentlessly fought for what she believed was right, her approach direct and unfaltering even with the toxicity of patriarchy at the time. She never shied in speaking for civil education of women, their involvement in male dominated spaces, empowerment of women and equity in the society."

According to the Senator, the late was a woman of valour who never compromised her beliefs, passionate in what she fought for and never surrendered even at the face of intimidation.

"Through the Nyamato Foundation where she was Chairperson, she took part in programs that were geared towards transforming the lives of her people. Even as her spirit lies in the quietude of death, her voice while fighting for women and girls' rights will always ring in our ears."

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka says Ms Nyamato was an extraordinary woman, a trailblazer, and a fearless advocate for justice and women’s rights. 

"She made history as the first nominated Member of Parliament from the Gusii community. Throughout her life, she was a symbol of courage and determination."

Onyonka says, the late had a strong commitment to fighting gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, and systemic inequality.

"She has left a significant legacy that will continue to inspire our society for generations. She empowered many women to believe in themselves and claim their rightful place in leadership."

He says as Secretary-General of the League of Kenyan Women Voters and a prominent figure in civic education, her work was not only political, but was deeply personal and aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable in our communities.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the Nyamato family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by her kindness, strength, and activism. May her legacy endure in the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and inclusive leadership."

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo mourned Ms Nyamato as a brave, brilliant, polished and pragmatic politician whose distinguished performance at the County and national stage reflected resolute dedication to impactful leadership. 

"Her refined eloquence and determination decorated and elevated women as key pillars in the national discourse of socioeconomic development.  She did not wait for change to happen; she was the change herself."

The Governor says the late empowered the girl-child and women through strategic and  programmatic activism, advocacy  initiatives- contributing to founding an inclusive and equal society.   

"A trailblazer, Mama Catherine stood out from the Gusii region, mentoring many in politics and beyond. I dare say, she is one of the most consequential women leaders of our time from the Gusii region."

West Mugirango MP said the late was a great political pillar way back when he showed interest for M.P seat close to two  decades ago.

"She was available to nurture me in the journey until she saw me successful. She led many other organizations that championed for women rights."