Former nominated MP Catherine Nyamata died after collapsing near her farm in Nyamira County. Photo: Courtesy.
Catherine Nyamato, the first woman Member of Parliament from Gusii has passed on. According to reports, Nyamato collapsed suddenly by the roadside near her farm in Kijauri, Nyamira County, on Wednesday.
She was reportedly engaging with youth working on a local project when the incident occurred and was immediately rushed to Summit Hospital, a local facility, where she was tragically pronounced dead.
She raised to leadership in the country after former late president Daniel Moi nominated her during the KANU reigns in 1995-2002, giving her the pioneering title for women leaders in Gusii community.
Following her sudden death leaders from across all walks in the country have mourned the late MP as a champion of gender equality, fought against FGM, and inspired generations of women leaders in Kenya.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga among leaders who have mourned the Nyamato as a champion of girlchild education in the community, including in the rights of other vulnerable groups in the country .
“She used her platform to advocate tirelessly for girls’ education, the rights of women and other vulnerable groups, and to stand steadfastly against harmful practices such as FGM and lynching of elderly persons. Her unwavering courage in the face of social backlash demonstrated her profound commitment to justice and equality,” Maraga stated.
Maraga further expressed his admiration to Nyamato’s courage to speak up at a time when speaking against the administration was for the preserved few. He acknowledged the late MP’s contribution in establishment of women civic forums and political participation, that shaped women’s movement in the country.
Other leaders who have mourned the late is former IEBC Commissioner Roselyne Akombe, who mourned Nyamato as mother figure, who shaped her journey into the ranks of leadership.
“This loss is so deep. So devastating. Catherine Nyamato took me in as her own daughter when I was in university and mentored me. I have lost my second mother, whom I loved so dearly and who meant so much for our family,” she wrote.
Kisii senator Richard Onyonka also described Nyamato as a woman of extinguished character, and a pioneer of women leadership and political movements in the country.
“Hon. Catherine Nyamato was an extraordinary woman, a trailblazer and fearless advocate for justice and women rights. Her loss is tragic! My condolences to the family, friends, the people of Nyamira and Kenya at large!” Onyonka wrote.
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