Former Nominated Member of Parliament Catherine Nyamato, a trailblazing political figure and the first Gusii woman MP, has died after collapsing suddenly near her farm in Kijauri, Nyamira County.
The revered veteran politician was reportedly engaging with youth working on a local community project on Wednesday, July 17, when she unexpectedly collapsed by the roadside.
Efforts to save her life were immediate, as she was rushed to Summit Hospital, a local health facility, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
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Her sudden passing has sent waves of grief across the country, triggering an outpouring of tributes from leaders, former colleagues, and the public who admired her commitment to leadership and empowerment.
Catherine Nyamato made history as the first Gusii woman to serve in Parliament after her nomination by former President Daniel arap Moi under the then-ruling KANU party.
Her political career was marked by fearless advocacy for women’s rights and her relentless push for gender equality.
Outside Parliament, she also played key roles as the National Women Leader for Narc-Kenya and Secretary General of the League of Kenyan Women Voters.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) mourned her as a courageous voice who spoke against injustices affecting women, including female genital mutilation (FGM), and mentored many of Kenya’s emerging women leaders.
Among those deeply affected by her passing is former IEBC Commissioner Roselyne Akombe, who described Nyamato as her “second mother” and credited her with helping shape her life from university days. “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,” Akombe shared emotionally.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also paid tribute to her, hailing her selfless dedication to public service and her enduring integrity, compassion, and humility.
Nyamato, who recently vied unsuccessfully for the Nyamira County Woman Representative seat, remained active in her community and was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Management at Strathmore University at the time of her death.
Her legacy as a pioneer, mentor, and advocate for justice will continue to live on in the many lives she touched and inspired across Kenya.