List of Kenyan heroines Cancer has snatched from us

If we could light a candle for every life cancer has claimed, we would run out of matches.

Cancer, the world’s second biggest killer has robbed Kenya of women who have influenced the country in there various areas of significant engagement.

Even more shocking is that according to research conducted by the World Health Organisation, more Kenyan women will die from cancer than men. The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s Globocan 2018 data shows that the disease will claim 18,772 women compared to 14,215 men yearly. The top killer among women being breast, followed closely by cervical/uterine and oesophagus cancers.

Here’s a list of exceptional Kenyan women the deadly disease her snatched away:

PROFESSOR WANGARI MAATHAI

The late Professor Wangari Maathai, celebrated Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate died of complications with ovarian cancer on the 25th of September 2011. As early as 1977, Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on the planting of trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights.

The founder of the Green Belt Movement served as an Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources in Former President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki’s regime. In 2004, Wangari became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

After her passing, Wangari was eulogized by leaders from across the world and the honored with a State funeral by the Kenyan government.

 

MARY ANYANGO

Former Vice chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Mary Onyango died on 31st March after 13 years of a strong fight against breast cancer.

The late Mary Onyango spearheaded Breast Cancer Awareness in Kenya at a time when it was taboo to say one had cancer. She was a strong-willed heroine who ensured cancer patients kept smiling through the pain. She is also remembered as a peace crusader and a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to reconcile Kenyans to ensure that peace prevailed during and after the 2012 General Elections.

In her capacity as the vice-chair of NCIC, Ms Onyango will be best remembered for leading the fight against hate speech on social media.

JANET KANINI-IKUA

Former NTV Presenter Janet Kanini, succumbed to cancer on the 1st of April 2017. The media personality who Kenyans came to love shared her journey battling stage four lung cancer that spread to other organs in her body.

In February 2016, the late Janet was given a clean bill of health by the doctors at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, where she was receiving treatment.

Janet was celebrated as a cancer victor and Kenyans eulogized her as the face of bravery, hope, and optimism in the face of cancer. The TV personality exemplified incredible grace and strength during her battle with cancer. She was always bubbly and anyone watching her would be awed by her broad smile every time she appeared on our screens.

 

JANE KIANO

The death of former chairperson of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Movement, Jane Kiano is the most recent among the Kenyan heroines. The late Jane succumbed to lung cancer and took her last breath on the 25th of October 2018.

The late Jane Kiano was eulogized as a woman who inspired many young girls and fellow women in the country. In 1971, Ms Kiano took over the leadership of Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO), a movement that impacted the lives of many women by championing for their economic, social and political rights.

Early this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized the her as a trailblazer and feted her with the Order of the Burning Spear award, an award that is given to distinguished heroines who have left huge footprints in the political, social and economic landscape of Kenya.

May their souls and others of those who have gone before us rest in eternal peace.

 

October being the breast cancer awareness month, have you gotten yourself screened?

 

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