SIAYA, Kenya, July 26, 2026 — Family, friends, church leaders, political leaders and hundreds of mourners are today gathering in Siaya County for the burial of Mama Mary Ong'ala Owalo, the stepmother of People's Prosperity Party (PPP) presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo and widow of the late Archbishop G.C. Owalo.
The service is expected to draw leaders from across the political divide, members of the Nomiya Church and mourners from different parts of the country as they pay their last respects to a woman widely remembered for her deep faith, humility and dedication to both family and the church.
For Eliud Owalo, who is seeking the presidency on the People's Prosperity Party ticket, the day is one of profound personal loss. In recent months, he has been traversing the country selling his vision for economic transformation, youth empowerment and inclusive development. Today, however, politics takes a back seat as he joins relatives, friends and supporters in honouring the woman who became an important matriarch in the Owalo family.
The solemn mood of the funeral was preceded by moments of cultural celebration on Saturday night, when Eliud Owalo joined relatives, friends and mourners in celebrating Mama Mary's life through traditional Luo songs and ceremonial dances. The colourful cultural tribute reflected the Luo community's longstanding tradition of honouring elders with music, dance and storytelling, celebrating a life well lived while bringing together generations of family and friends in remembrance.
Mama Mary was the wife of the late Archbishop G.C. Owalo, one of the most respected leaders of the Nomiya Church, whose ministry left a lasting mark on the church and communities across western Kenya. Those who knew her say she stood faithfully beside her husband throughout his years of ministry, offering unwavering support while nurturing generations within both the church and her family.
Following her passing, tributes poured in from religious leaders, politicians and members of the Christian fraternity, describing her as a woman whose life reflected compassion, service and unwavering devotion to God.
One condolence message captured the sentiments shared by many mourners:
"Mama Mary will be remembered for her faith, humility, love and unwavering support to the ministry alongside the late Archbishop."
The message also prayed for God's comfort for the bereaved family.
"May the Almighty God grant the family strength, comfort and peace as they mourn this great loss. May the cherished memories of her life continue to inspire all who knew her."
It concluded with the words of Revelation 14:13:
"Blessed are those who die in the Lord... they will rest from their labour."
Today's funeral is expected to celebrate a life defined not by public office or prominence, but by quiet service, steadfast faith and unconditional love for family and community. Clergy leading the service are expected to reflect on her contribution to the Nomiya Church and the values she embodied throughout her life.
The Nomiya Church, founded in 1907, remains one of Kenya's oldest African Independent Churches, with a strong presence across western Kenya. Archbishop G.C. Owalo is remembered as one of its most influential spiritual leaders, and many within the church credit Mama Mary with standing faithfully beside him throughout his ministry.
As mourners gather to bid her farewell today, the occasion is expected to be marked by prayer, reflection and thanksgiving for a life that touched many beyond the walls of the church.
For Eliud Owalo, today's burial is a deeply personal occasion as he joins the extended Owalo family in celebrating the life and legacy of his stepmother. While politics has placed him in the national spotlight, today's gathering is centred on family, faith and paying tribute to a woman remembered for her humility, kindness and enduring service to the church and community.