Prof Nyong'o's mum started Mother's Union

Mama Dorka Owino Nyong’o was born in the 1920s at Ratta, Kisumu County. Until her demise, the mother of Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was not only a staunch member of the ACK, Ratta Parish, but also a deaconess in the same church. She was a role model not only to her children but also to the community and society where she lived.Other than the widely known Prof Nyong’o, Dorka’s other children are professors, doctors, lawyers and engineers. Governor Nyong’o’s siblings include Dr Nyagoy Nyong’o, Dr Juliana Otieno, and Eng Joel Mudhune.

As a deaconess, as she was popularly known, Dorka supported the church in development projects such as building hostels for girls and helping educate poor children.She was also a philanthropist and tireless fundraiser with a heart for donating her wealth. Her plight for the poor was evident as she was ready to support projects for the less fortunate.

A passionate farmer, Dorka tirelessly worked on her farm to support her husband Hesbon Shimei Nyong’o, a priest. Dorka has been described as a person with rich family values and a champion for young girls’ education. This is evident in several hostels that she built in Ratta currently hosting less fortunate girls.

Dorka together with Mrs Eseri Olang’, the wife of the first African ACK bishop, helped found the first African Mothers Union Kenya in 1956. Among the core goals of this movement is to support and offer comfort to those faced with adversity. The union also focuses on maintaining a worldwide fellowship of Christians who are united in service, worship and prayer.Dorka died on May 28, 2019, at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi. She was laid to rest at her home in Ratta village, Seme Sub-county. Her burial was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, and other national and county leaders.