Bondo County was on Saturday united in grief and celebration of a life well-lived as County Chief Officer for Administration Walter Okelo laid to rest his grandmother, Mama Joyce Ogombe Odera, fondly known as Nyapolo.
The funeral service, held at her home in Asembo Kanyigoro Waringa in Rarieda Constituency, drew a distinguished gathering led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and County Assembly Speaker George Okode, who joined family, friends, and hundreds of mourners in paying their last respects.
Also present were East Asembo MCA Gordon Onguuru, Ward Administrators Oscar Otieno, Victoria Ombok, and Paul Andrew, alongside other senior county officials and community leaders.
Mama Joyce, who passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, at Bondo Hospital, was remembered as a matriarch whose life embodied faith, resilience, and service. Though her national ID listed her birth year as 1930, family records suggest she may have been born earlier—around 1925—making her close to 100 years old at the time of her passing.
A devout Christian, she was one of the founding members of the Christ Church in Africa (CCA) congregations at Nyagoko and Waringa, later serving faithfully with the Evangelical Christ Church in Africa (ECCA). Her dedication to the church and her tireless commitment to prayer and service left a lasting imprint on generations.
Governor Orengo praised the late matriarch as “a pillar of faith and family whose life reflected the strength and grace of our community’s grandmothers,” while Speaker Okode described her as “a teacher and moral compass whose legacy will continue to guide the younger generation.”
The moment did not miss its own political highlights with Okode asking mourners that it was time the people of Asembo stood up with the Governor in the next elections. He said against all odds the Governor had appointed both Walter Okelo and Fred Ojode (Personal Assistant) to vital posts in his administration. He had also set aside several millions for the upgrade of two markets in the locality. He finished by introducing the legendary former Chairman of Siaya County Council, Aggrey Onyango Ogire from Alego-Usonga.
The Governor also thanked the area’s voters for having filled up his basket generously in the previous election. He lauded Speaker George Okode for being the only Speaker in the Republic of Kenya under devolution to be elected for three consecutive terms as well as serving at some point as a Governor. He singled out the attribute of honesty and forthrightness as being Okode’s strong points.
“Am glad we are now working together but when am wrong this son of Asembo (George Okode) will not mince words. He says it as it is, and for that much I hold him in high regard.”
The Governor also thanked Mr. Walter Okelo for immersing himself in preparations for the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference scheduled for 14 to 17 November. He finished his speech by recognizing an important cog in local politics the youth league that is vibrant on social media and goes by the acronym sangwenya.
Born the only child of Nyar Kabondo Otieno Dudu and Abungu of Sakwa Kalgowo, Mama Joyce lived through nearly a century of change, witnessing the transformation of society across five generations. A literacy teacher and Bible reader, she inspired many young people to value education and faith.
As mourners celebrated her remarkable journey, tributes highlighted her humility, devotion to God, and unwavering love for her family. Her grandson, CO Okelo, described her as “the foundation of our family’s values — a woman whose faith and wisdom lit our path.”
Mama Joyce Ogombe Odera leaves behind a vast family, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren — a living testimony to a century of grace.
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