Rest in Power Hon. Godliver Omondi, Former Senator and sitting Member of the County Assembly


Early this year, many of us in our Network had a chance to share space with Hon. Godliver Omondi, nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kakamega County. Hon. Godliver was among 5 mentors, all who are women with disabilities who have been in leadership many years now and who joined our Champions as a Mentor in our Ford Foundation grant. 

About a week ago, Hon. Godliver joined the Kakamega Champions in their community engagement work and we were all really happy to see her in the photos that the team shared from Kakamega. And just this evening, on 13th Nov 2023, we are faced with such sad news, that Hon Godliver is no more. That she has passed on. And we feel so deeply pained, utterly shocked and in our tears, in our pain, we are remembering her.We are writing down a few words.To remember her. To honour her. To offer strength to our wavering spirits. To remind ourselves that there is a gap Hon Godliver is leaving behind. But that we are here, to hold her, to hold onto her memory. That she may know, we will miss her and will forever honour her. 

Soft spoken, so powerful. Hon Godliver let us into her life. How it was growing up as a young girl with a disability.

She was the first woman Senator with a disability. Being a first born and with a disability, she faced different challenges including discrimination and stigma. She went to school through hard work because she had to work while studying as a young girl just to pay her fee. She mentioned how she was despised especially after the death of her parents. But she put in effort and hard work. It is because of effort, determination and not giving up that she rose through the ranks to represent persons with disabilities at the United Disabled Persons of Kenya early on, and later elected as the chairperson and since then her star continued to shine.             

She was involved in national politics and leadership including being a part of the team that ensured a disability clause in the Constitution. She insisted that in leadership one must be sensitive especially in politics where women are considered ‘lesser’. After being nominated as a senator, she went for elective post as an MCA and won. While serving at the county assembly she mentioned that she continued to experience all sort of challenges but that never stopped her zeal to work for the people.

“Don’t be afraid to point out the problem,injustice and propose solutions,”she said in the Champions meeting.

Hon. Godliver loved to mentor. She used every opportunity to share her experiences as a leader, the challenges, gaps and gains for women and girls with disabilities. She loved to motivate women and girls with disabilities. She fought for social justice. In this newspaper article Hon. Godliver called upon the government to exempt people with disabilities from digital tax. She said, “We have women and girls with disabilities who are talented in content creation and if the tax is going to affect them, then that talent is going to die.” We will hold your memory dear in our hearts, Hon Godliver. May you rest in power.  
 
We will miss you dearly Hon. Godliver Omondi, say the Champions.

Quotes;
"Godliver, the sad news of your demise devastated my whole being.Your journey as a girl/ woman with disability full of visionary is one of an inspiration that many would wish to emulate. The vacuum you left in girls & women with disabilities fraternity is too huge to be filled. Rest in power our mentor" - Grace Areba, Kisumu County

" It is sad that you are no more Hon Godliver. It was nice serving you during the vetting exercise for persons with disabilities on tax exemption in August 2023. May your Soul rest in Peace Mhesh. Though painful, but it is well with us. We will really miss you but cherish the moments we shared togther. Fare thee well. (Teresa Anyango, Kisumu County)
  

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