The National Assembly of Kenya is honoring the legacy of Hon. Grace Onyango, who passed away on March 8th, 2023 at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Hon. Onyango, also known as Nya'Bungu, made history as the first female Member of Kisumu Constituency, paving the way for women in leadership in Kenya.

Lawmakers eulogised her, recounting her life as a trailblazer who achieved many firsts in her political career, including being the first female Mayor of Kisumu and the first woman to sit in the Speaker's Chair as Temporary Deputy Speaker.

Born on June 26th, 1924, in what was then known as Nyanza Province, Hon. Grace Onyango attended Ngi'ya Girls High School and later trained as a teacher at Vihiga Teachers Training College. She began her teaching career at her alma mater, Ng'iya Girls High School, before becoming a trainer at Vihiga Teachers Training College.

In 1969, Hon. Onyango ran for the Kisumu Town Constituency parliamentary seat in a male-dominated race, which she won. She went on to serve in three successive Parliaments, including the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Parliaments, from 1969 to 1983. Her contributions to Parliament and its committees, as well as her work in the plenary, were highly valued, and her colleagues held her in high esteem.

Hon. Grace Onyango was also a vocal advocate for the rights of women and children and played a significant role in laying the foundation for women's participation in elective politics in Kenya. She served as the Secretary-General of the Luo Union (East Africa), the Chair of the Child Welfare Society, Kisumu District, and was one of the founding Trustees for the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya in 1980.

Speaker Moses Masika Wetang'ula, E.G.H, MP, delivered a touching tribute to Hon. Grace Onyango, urging the House to embrace proposals that would create a more inclusive society that would give women an equal platform in elective politics to honor Hon. Onyango's contributions to the country.

The National Assembly's leadership has mobilized Members of Parliament to provide the necessary assistance towards Hon. Grace Onyango's funeral expenses, honoring her remarkable life and legacy.