NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has announced the death of Mama Rose Kajwang, widow of the late Homa Bay Senator Gerald Otieno Kajwang, marking another loss for one of Nyanza’s most prominent political families.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 30, ODM expressed its condolences to the Kajwang family and the people of Suba North, describing Rose’s passing as a deep loss to both the family and the wider political fraternity.
“We mourn the passing of Mama Rose Kajwang’, widow of the late Sen. Gerald Otieno Kajwang’, earlier today after an illness. As 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 party said.
Rose Kajwang came into the public limelight in January 2022 when a legal dispute arose over the division of the late senator’s multi-million-shilling estate. The case revealed a fierce contest between Kajwang’s two widows and other family members over the control and distribution of his wealth.
Court records showed that the estate comprised residential properties in Nairobi and Nyanza, shares and savings in Bunge Sacco, vehicles, and bank accounts with undisclosed balances.
The late senator’s brother, Joseph Okoto Ajwang’, through lawyer Silas Atonga, had objected to the inclusion of certain properties in the list of Kajwang’s assets. Okoto argued that a Lavington property and a parcel of land in Migori should be excluded, claiming ownership interest.
“Our client had interest in the properties. He believes the two belong to him and so they should not be included. That is the reason we are objecting,” Atonga told the court.
Justice Lydia Achode, who presided over the matter, was also informed that Kajwang’s late father, David Ajwang’, had opposed the valuation of land in Lambwe West, insisting it was his personal property.
Rose Kajwang’s passing closes a chapter in one of Kenya’s politically significant families. Her late husband, Senator Otieno Kajwang’, was renowned for his charisma, trademark “Bado Mapambano” slogan, and long service as Homa Bay Senator until he died in 2014.
