The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced the death of Mama Rose Kajwang’, the widow of the late Homa Bay Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang’.

In a statement shared on its official X page on Thursday night, the party expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing her as a respected academic and a pillar of strength to her family and community.

“We mourn the passing of Mama Rose Kajwang’, widow of the late Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang’, earlier today after an illness. As the Orange family, we commiserate with the entire Kajwang’ family and the people of Suba North for the loss. May Rose’s soul rest in peace,” the statement read.

Mama Rose Kajwang’ was a lecturer at Kenyatta University, where she also served as the head of the institution’s alumni association. She was widely admired for her mentorship and advocacy for women in leadership and education.

Her passing marks another moment of grief for one of Nyanza’s most politically influential families and the ODM fraternity.

Her late husband, Gerald Otieno Kajwang’, was among ODM’s founding members and one of party leader Raila Odinga’s closest allies. A charismatic politician known for his fiery speeches and the popular slogan “Bado Mapambano,” Kajwang’ served as Mbita MP before being elected as Homa Bay’s first senator in 2013.

He died in November 2014 at the age of 58, prompting a by-election in which his younger brother Moses Otieno Kajwang’ succeeded him. Moses has since been re-elected twice, in 2017 and 2022, maintaining the family’s strong political legacy within ODM.

Mama Rose is remembered for her unwavering support of her late husband’s political journey and her lifelong dedication to education and community empowerment.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.