Uhuru, creative industry mourn Manduli
President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto, and opposition leader Raila Odinga have led Kenyans in mourning Orie Rogo Manduli.
Manduli, a veteran politician, former rally driver, and former Miss Kenya, breathed her last in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, following a short illness.
President Kenyatta referred to the deceased as a woman of many firsts.
1/2 President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned veteran politician and fashion icon Mary Orie Rogo Manduli as a woman of many firsts and trailblazer who fought tirelessly for women empowerment.
Ms Orie Rogo Manduli, 73, passed away on Wednesday evening at her Nairobi home. pic.twitter.com/NpQiWlVo91
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) September 8, 2021
Ruto said Manduli was an inspiration to other women, while Odinga said she will miss the deceased’s determination and charisma.
Our country has lost a courageous and incredible leader who inspired people of all generations. Orie Rogo Manduli was vocal, aggressive and formidable warrior for women’s rights. We will best remember her as a groundbreaker and pioneer Kenyan female rally driver. pic.twitter.com/P9iHvWXNjr
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 8, 2021
Manduli has also been mourned in the creative world, with rapper Khaligraph Jones revealing she recently made an encouragement call to him.
“About 2 months ago. I Received a Call from The Late Orie Rogo Manduli and she Told me how she Loved The Song *Hao* and we even planned to link up for a chat after She was Discharged from Hospital but it seems God had other plans, unfortunately, she passed on Today before our plan Came to be, May she Rest in peace. See you on the other side,” wrote Khaligraph Jones.
The death of Ms Manduli has been a blow to the country due to her fearless and vivacious character that was admired by many.
Among her many feats include being the first woman of African descent to participate in the East African Safari Rally in 1974.
She was also the first woman to head the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) council.