In 2010, Kenya ushered in the current constitution that came with major leadership changes.The current constitution introduced governors who now head the County governments.
Before then, mayors served as leaders of town councils and local authorities.During those days, it was not easy for a woman to be elected a councilor leave alone a mayor.
But one woman, made history back in the days. Grace Monica Aketch Onyango was elected the first councilor for Kisumu Central ward, before being elected the first Kisumu female mayor in 1965 to replace the late Mathias Ondiek.
She remained in parliament until 1984 after having served as Deputy Speaker. She was born in Sakwa in 1927 and worked as a teacher before joining politics.
During her time in parliament, she won a recognition for her debating skills.
She was actively involved in investigations into the murder of Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, famously known as JM Kariuki.
She was the one who identified the fact that the official government report on Kariuki’s death had been doctored prior to publication.
Grace Monica Aketch Onyango is now in her early 90’s.
#historynow