The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is mourning the death of Mama Rose Kajwang, widow of the late Homa Bay Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang.
In a statement shared on Thursday, October 30, 2025, the party confirmed that Mama Rose passed away earlier in the day after an illness.
“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 Kajwang’ family and the people of Suba North for the loss,” ODM said in a post on its official X page.
Mama Rose was a respected academic and lecturer at Kenyatta University, where she also headed the university’s alumni body. She was admired for her passion for education and mentorship, especially among women in leadership and public service.
Her passing marks a sad moment for one of Nyanza’s most respected political families and for the ODM community.
Her husband, Gerald Otieno Kajwang, was a long-serving ODM member known for his energy, humour, and loyalty to the party and its leader, Raila Odinga. He served as the Member of Parliament for Mbita Constituency before becoming the first Senator for Homa Bay County in 2013.
Kajwang’ was widely remembered for his rallying slogan, “Bado Mapambano,” which became a symbol of ODM’s political movement. He passed away in November 2014 at the age of 58.
After his death, his younger brother, Moses Otieno Kajwang, was elected to replace him as Homa Bay Senator in 2015 and has since been re-elected twice.
Mama Rose stood by her family through these years, providing strength and guidance as they continued her husband’s legacy in politics and public service.
The Kajwang family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days.
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