The former chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organisation the late Jane Kiano will be cremated on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Kariokor crematorium a day after her death.
According to sources, this in accordance to her will. A prayer service is set to be held at her home this evening.
According to a statement to newsrooms, Mrs. Kiano, 74, died at the Nairobi Hospital on Thursday night after a long battle with lung cancer.
“She died at 10:25pm…We have lost the matriach of our family…May her legacy continue to inspire young women and girls from all corners of this country…,” the statement from Irungu Houghton, the family representative, reads.
Mrs. Jane Kiano was also one of the founders of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
She had previously been awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear Award in 1979. She was widow of the late former Cabinet Minister Julius Gikonyo Kiano and is survived by two daughters: Joy and Wanja.
President Kenyatta has mourned Mrs. Kiano as a person who played an important role in advancing women’s rights.
I am saddened with the news of passing on of former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation chairperson, Ms. Jane Kiano. She played an important role in advancing women rights & justice in the country. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends. May her soul Rest in Peace.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) October 26, 2018
“I am saddened with the news of passing on of former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation chairperson, Ms. Jane Kiano. She played an important role in advancing women rights & justice in the country. Our thoughts & prayers are with her family & friends. May her soul Rest in Peace,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said.
His Deputy William Ruto termed the late Mrs. Kiano as an exceptional leader, a gallant campaigner of women’s rights and empowerment as well as a proponent of gender equality.
He further added that she was a strong voice for girls’ education and a prominent advocate of women’s mobilization to build sustainable livelihoods and safeguard their welfare.
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 (@WilliamsRuto) October 26, 2018
“Her indomitable spirit and energy transformed lives and gave hope to many. Rest In Peace,” Mr. Ruto said in a statement on Friday.
Former President Daniel arap Moi said the leadership of Jane Kiano at Maendeleo ya Wanawake for many years was outstanding and proof that women are capable of sound leadership