After your time is done on this earth, would you like to be cremated? That was the wish of the Founder of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, the late Ms. Jane Kiano.
Ms. Kiano died on October 25 at the Nairobi Hospital after a battle with lung cancer and was cremated on October 27 at the Kariokor crematorium as per her wish. The cremation of the late Ms. Kiano could not just be it as the life of this exceptional woman was too great to not be celebrated.
President Uhuru Kenyatta today led Kenyans at the memorial service of the late Jane Kiano held at St. Francis A.C.K Church in Karen. The President remembered Ms. Kiano as a mother, a sister and a friend saying that they could talk about literally anything.
According to President Kenyatta, the late Jane Kiano did many great things for Kenya as her country without expecting anything in return. He added that Ms. Kiano fought the fight for women not for glory or wealth but because she believed that it was the right thing to do.
President Uhuru also mentioned that the time has come where as a country, we must recognize women who have made a great contribution in the nation and celebrate them while they are alive instead of waiting until their passing. According to the President, this is why his government is running the trailblazer program, to honor such women who have made great contributions to Kenya.
“We need to celebrate them when they are still alive. We need to appreciate them when they are still alive,” he said.
Early this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized 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.
He also challenged leaders to aspire to make contributions and sacrifices that would improve the lives of other Kenyans instead of focusing on working for their own benefit.
“Mum, we shall miss you, we shall treasure the moments we shared together and we shall never forget the sacrifices you made for some of us,” said President Kenyatta.
Also present at the memorial service was Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and other leaders who eulogized the late Ms. Kiano as a dedicated and selfless leader who nurtured so many women who have become great leaders in the country.
Raila Odinga eulogized the late Ms. Kiano as a true nationalist who selflessly contributed to advancing women rights in the country.
“She is a great person, was very generous and very focused, simple and easy to work with,” Raila said.
Jane Kiano died at the age of 74 and will be remembered impacting the lives of many women and championing for their economic, social and political rights.
What will you remember the late heroine for?