President Uhuru Kenyatta has led fellow Kenyans in mourning the demise of Former Maendeleo ya Wanawake organisation champion Mrs Jane Kiano who was ailing from Lung Cancer.
President @UKenyatta condoles with the family of Ms. Jane Kiano, former chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation, who passed on last night. The President has eulogised her as a relentless champion of women rights who stood for justice. May her soul Rest in Peace.
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) October 26, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Madam Jane Kiano. May you find peace in the Lord during this trying moment. #RIPJaneKiano pic.twitter.com/Cl8yufvBTS
— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole (@Wavinya_Ndeti) October 26, 2018
We celebrate the life and times of a strong, illustrious and industrious woman; Mama Jane Kiano who passed on last night after a long battle with the Lung Cancer. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of the Late Dr. Julius Gikonyo Kiano for the loss #RIPJaneKiano
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) 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
According to the statement released by her family read, “She died at 10.25pm after along bravely battle against lung cancer and we are very proud of her…May her legacy continue to inspire young women and girls from all corners of this country. We are sure that she now walks with the angels,”
Rest in peace Dr.Jane Kiano, one of Kenya's finest daughters. This nation 🇰🇪 has lost a luminary, the face of the women movement in Kenya. Till we meet again, shine on your way mama 💡 #RIPJaneKiano
— Mercy Kareithi & Co. Advocates (@MKCOADVOCATES) October 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/talanta254/status/1055689366549549057
Ms Kiano served as the MYWO chairperson between 1971-1984 but was recently serving as the organisation’s patron alongside Mama Ngina Kenyatta.
Kiano was the widow of Dr Julius Gikonyo Kiano, a former Cabinet minister, nationalist and Kenya’s first PhD holder.Born in Tumu Tumu, Nyeri, she trained as a teacher before switching to National women leadership.
She had over 40 years of voluntary public service and leadership in the women’s movement.Kiano was among other outstanding powerful women honoured for their women empowerment role in the society, such as Ida Odinga, Phoebe Asiyo, Grace Onyango and Beth Mugo.
Kiano, who led a largely quiet life, had previously been awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear Award in 1979.
So sad to learn that former chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake JANE KIANO has passed on today at 74 after a long battle with lung cancer.
My heartfelt condolences to the family, may they find peace in the Lord during this trying period. pic.twitter.com/MYqUfmF8RW
— Ciku 🇰🇪 (@Ciku_Muriithi) October 26, 2018
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
She was the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization National Chairperson between 1971–1984.Later she served as National Council of Women of Kenya Chairperson (1999-2003). She also served as Alliance Francaise President (1982-2013) and was Nairobi City Commission Deputy Chairperson (1988–1992).
She was decorated for her service with Legion d’ Honneur du France in 2014, Freedom of the Nairobi City in 2006, Elder of the Burning Spear for being an outstanding Woman Leader among others.
Fare thee well Mama Jane Kiano. Through the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation, you were a champion of the dignity and rights of the women of Kenya. Rest in peace Mama Jane. pic.twitter.com/lPVF6L9xbN
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) October 26, 2018
Kiano will be remembered for her strong personality and bravely fighting for women’s right and justice her days as the MYWON chairperson.
Many Kenyans including some lawmakers are suffering from cancer however, women are being treated for cancer with higher death rates than men, a cost analysis report at the Kenyatta National Hospital shows.