The former chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organisation the Jane Kiano died Thursday night at the Nairobi hospital after a brave battle of lung cancer.
“She battled bravely against lung cancer and we are very proud of her. She died at 10.30,” said a family representative in a statement. It has now been confirmed that the body of the late women’s right activist will be cremated tomorrow, Saturday October 27 at the Kariokor crematorium, one day after she rested.
Sources have said that the decision to cremate her is in accordance to the late Jane’s wishes as she expressed it in her will. A prayer service will this evening be held at her home.
The late Jane Kiano will undoubtedly be remembered as a matriarch who inspired many young girls and women in Kenya. 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.
Ms Kiano also served as the vice chairperson of National Council for Women, a committee member of Child Welfare Society of Kenya. In 1972, she also served as the vice president of Association of Country Women of the World, representing East, West and Central Africa.
In 1984, the late Jane Kiano stepped down as chair of Maendeleo ya Wanawake to pave way for new leadership. In recognition of her work, she was honored with the Pan Africa Mercury Gold Award.
Early this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized the Late Ms. Kiano 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.
https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/1055714242819690496?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of my dear and great friend Jane Kiano.
We honour her legacy as a trailblazer and a champion for women’s empowerment in the region @BeyondZeroKenya— The First Lady Kenya (@FirstLadyKenya) October 26, 2018
President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta today led the country in mourning the death of the fallen heroine.
Jane Kiano was an extraordinary woman. Strong & incredibly caring. Firm & focused yet ever so humorous. She had a special kind of grace & an unconquerable spirit.
Fly with the angels Jane, they are lucky to have you. You will be missed by many ❤🙏#SHero #RIPJaneKiano— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) October 26, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of the late Jane kiano a dear friend Role model ,and mentor ,and a a matriarch of the women's movement in Kenya being one of the founders of the first women's organization – Maendeleo ya Wanawake. #RIPJaneKiano
— Martha Karua (@MarthaKarua) October 26, 2018
Condolences to the family and friends of Jane Kiano, an exceptional leader. The former Maendeleo Ya Wanawake chairperson was a gallant campaigner of women's rights and empowerment.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 26, 2018
Deputy President, William Ruto referred to Jane as a, “proponent of gender equality, a strong voice for girls’ education and a prominent advocate of women’s mobilization to build sustainable livelihoods and safeguard their welfare.”
Ms Kiano is survived by two daughters, Joy and Wanja.