As Kenyan history stands today, several women like Wangari Maathai have cemented their places on it but one distinct woman who made history Africa-wide has been conspicuously missing.
The mother to Ida Odinga, the late Rosa Oyoo, who made two distinct accomplishments for ladies in Kenya and Africa in general, was living off the spotlight and only became known countrywide after she passed away on July 3, 2014.
Born in Khwisero Constituency in Kakamega County, Oyoo is considered the first Kenyan who successfully trained as a nurse and proceeded to practise in the profession.
According to a report by Daily Nation, the late nurse recounted joining the profession in 1937 and the same year, Kakamega Referral Hospital, where she practised, opened its doors for the first time.
"Love was the basis of the care for patients, but this is now lacking among the medical fraternity," she stated of her love for the profession.
Oyoo also became the first woman in Kenya to open a bank account at the time when women were relegated to cultural duties.
After her death, President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned the late heroine as a trailblazer for women, since she decided to embrace education and a saving culture, proving to other women that they could affect change well beyond their home duties.
"The late Rose Ayuya will be remembered for her outstanding service to the community and the nation having been the first African trained nurse in Kakamega.
"Ayuya, who is the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s mother in law, will be remembered for her simplicity and generosity which earned her the respect and friendship of many," stated the president at the time.
Oyoo was the wife of the late Dr Nehemiah Oyoo. Mother of the late Leonard Nick Oyoo, Lynn Yaya, the late Peter Oyoo, Ida Odinga, Clarice Oyoo and Connie Eunice Sigei.
