HOMA BAY, KENYA – Political leaders from across the Nyanza region and beyond gathered in Waondo Village, Suba North Constituency, on Friday, November 7, 2025, to pay their final respects to Dr. Rose Bujehela Otieno, the widow of the late Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang'. The ceremony served as both a sombre remembrance of a respected academic and a testament to the Kajwang' family's deep-rooted political legacy in Kenya.

Dr. Rose Kajwang', a senior lecturer and the Director for Endowment and Alumni Programmes at Kenyatta University, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Her death was announced by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which described her as a pillar of strength and a mentor, particularly for women in leadership.

Among the dignitaries present were Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang', Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang', and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo. In his address, Senator Oginga eulogised Dr. Kajwang' and shared a light-hearted anecdote about his long-standing friendship with the family and his admiration for Millie Odhiambo's work ethic, which he first observed during past political campaigns alongside the late Senator Kajwang'.

A Mother's Enduring Impact

A deeply moving moment during the funeral proceedings was the tribute from the couple's son, David Brian Ajwang'. He spoke candidly about his personal struggles following the death of his father in November 2014. Ajwang' recounted falling into depression and substance abuse after losing his father, crediting his mother's unwavering support and faith for his recovery. "When my dad died, I was a lost man," Ajwang' had stated during a memorial service in Nairobi. He praised his mother as a strong, beautiful, and intelligent woman who stood by him during his darkest moments and was instrumental in his journey back to health.

A Legacy in Academia and Politics

Dr. Rose Kajwang' was a distinguished academic in her own right, serving as a lecturer in the Fashion Design and Marketing Department at Kenyatta University. Colleagues and former students remembered her as a dedicated mentor and a passionate advocate for education. Her career ran parallel to the formidable political journey of her husband, Gerald Otieno Kajwang', a charismatic and influential figure in Kenyan politics. The late Senator Kajwang' represented Mbita Constituency (now Suba North) in Parliament from 1997 to 2013 before being elected as the first Senator for Homa Bay County. He was also the Minister of State for Immigration and Registration of Persons from 2008 to 2013.

The late senator, known for his powerful oratory and the rallying cry "Bado Mapambano," was a close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and a key figure in the ODM party. His sudden death from a cardiac arrest on November 19, 2014, was a significant blow to the party and the region. His younger brother, Moses Kajwang', succeeded him as senator, continuing the family's political dynasty.

The funeral on Friday underscored the deep respect the political community holds for the Kajwang' family. The gathering of senior ODM officials was a clear signal of the family's continued importance in the socio-political fabric of the Nyanza region and Kenya at large. Dr. Rose Kajwang' was laid to rest beside her husband, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication to education, and unwavering family support.