Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has testified that he never started his formal education in nursery or standard one, but instead began in standard three at an older age after being brought up by his mother, the late Teresiah Omoke, following her separation from his father, Dr. Zachary Onyonka.
The Senator made the emotional revelation while addressing mourners gathered at his Mosocho home during the ongoing preparations for his mother’s send-off.
Onyonka described the late Teresiah as a resilient singer and mother who single-handedly raised him under difficult circumstances. He said her separation from Dr. Onyonka forced her to take full responsibility for his upbringing. Due to the hardships at the time, he could not join school at the usual age and had to start directly in standard three when he was older.
Despite the late start, he credited his mother’s sacrifice, Christian upbringing, and emphasis on education for shaping him into the leader he is today. “My mother was my first teacher. She taught me courage, faith, and the value of education even when we had nothing,” the Senator said.
Among the dignitaries who condoled with the family at the Mosocho home were Simba Arati, Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, and Anthony Kibagendi. They eulogized Mama Teresiah as a strong, God-fearing woman who raised children who went on to serve the nation with distinction.
Governor Arati said the late Teresiah’s story was a reminder of the struggles many single mothers endure to educate their children. “She did not give up. She sang, she tilled, she prayed — and today we see the fruits in the Senator and his siblings,” Arati said.
READ ALSO: Senator Onyonka urges learners from under-privileged homes to pursue excellence despite challenges
Deputy Governor Obebo urged the community to support single mothers and widows, noting that many leaders in Gusii were raised by such courageous women. MP Kibagendi added that the government should strengthen social protection for vulnerable families so that no child misses early education due to poverty.
Burial arrangements for the late Teresiah Omoke are ongoing at the family’s Mosocho home, with the final send-off expected to be attended by prominent national and county leaders on Friday.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
