Eliud Owalo Bids Emotional Farewell to Stepmother Mama Mary Ong'ala Owalo

SIAYA, Kenya, July 26, 2026 — People's Prosperity Party (PPP) presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo on Sunday led family, church leaders, political figures and hundreds of mourners in laying his stepmother, Mama Mary Ong'ala Owalo, to rest at the family's home in Gangu Village, Asembo, Siaya County.

The funeral brought together members of the Nomiya Church, leaders from different sectors and mourners from across the country to honour the life of a woman remembered for her unwavering Christian faith, humility and dedication to family and church.

Mama Mary, who died at the age of 74, was the widow of the late Archbishop Gideon Charles (G.C.) Owalo, one of the most respected leaders in the history of the Nomiya Church. Throughout the service, speakers paid tribute to her quiet strength and steadfast support for the late Archbishop's ministry, describing her as a devoted Christian who touched many lives through service rather than public recognition.

The burial came a day after mourners gathered at the family home for traditional Luo cultural ceremonies, where songs, dances and storytelling celebrated Mama Mary's life in keeping with Luo customs that honour elders who have lived full and impactful lives.

For Owalo, who has spent recent months traversing the country after declaring his presidential bid under the People's Prosperity Party, Sunday's burial marked a pause from politics as he joined relatives in mourning the loss of a woman he described as a beloved mother.

Following the burial, Owalo thanked the many people who stood with his family during their time of grief.

"Today, at our Gangu Village home in Asembo, we gathered with heavy hearts to bid a final farewell to Mama Mary On'gala Owalo, our beloved mother and the widow of the late Archbishop Gideon Charles Owalo of the Nomiya Church," he said.

He expressed gratitude to the church, friends and supporters who attended the funeral and offered comfort to the family.

"We are deeply grateful to the leadership of the Nomiya Church, the Gor Mahia fraternity, our relatives, friends and all those who stood with our family during this difficult time. Your prayers, support and solidarity have been a great source of comfort."

Owalo said the family had chosen to celebrate a life defined by faith and service rather than dwell only on the pain of loss.

"As we lay her to rest, we celebrate a life of faith and service. May Almighty God grant Mama Mary eternal rest and give the family strength and peace in the days ahead."

He concluded his tribute with a simple farewell.

"Rest in eternal peace, Mama Mary."

The funeral service was marked by prayers, hymns and reflections led by clergy from the Nomiya Church, with speakers urging Christians to emulate Mama Mary's humility, compassion and commitment to serving others.

Founded in 1907, the Nomiya Church remains one of Kenya's oldest African Independent Churches and has a strong following across western Kenya. The late Archbishop G.C. Owalo is remembered as one of the church's influential spiritual leaders, while Mama Mary was widely acknowledged for faithfully supporting his ministry over many years.

Although Owalo's growing national political profile has increasingly placed him in the public spotlight, Sunday's gathering was defined less by politics than by family and faith. It was a moment for relatives, friends and supporters to honour a woman whose legacy, those gathered said, will live on through the values she instilled in those around her.

As the final prayers were offered and Mama Mary was laid to rest in her home village, mourners departed with memories of a life characterised by quiet service, enduring faith and unwavering devotion to her family, church and community.