•Manduli died on Wednesday at her home in Riverside, Nairobi, after suffering from an undisclosed illness.
•Senator Moses Wetang'ula mourned Manduli as a charismatic no nonsense politician.
Image: COURTESY
Several politicians have sent messages of condolence following the death of veteran politician and former chairperson of NGO Council Orie Rogo Manduli .
Manduli died on Wednesday at her home in Riverside, Nairobi, after suffering from an undisclosed illness.
A renowned fashionista and activist in the country, Manduli will be remembered as person of many firsts in her illustrious life.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula mourned Manduli as a charismatic no nonsense politician.
"Her passing on dims a bright star that illuminated far and wide. She was a committed member of Ford Kenya. Our entire party fraternity will miss her. Pole to the family," Wetang'ula said in a statement via Twitter.
Senator James Orengo said Manduli was a luminary in women rights, African Fashion, politics, governance and democracy has rested.
"Orie Rogo Manduli will forever be remembered for how multilayered she was.," he said.
Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga said Manduli is one of the Kenyan women trailblazers on whose shoulders women leaders stand on.
"Her demise is definitely a huge loss to all of us, but her rich legacy; one that spans decades and glitters with successes of women she mentored and inspired, endures," Omanga said.
A former Miss Kenya, Manduli was the first woman to chair the NGO Council. She was crowned Miss Kenya, at the age of 16 while still in secondary school.
Manduli also made history by becoming the first African woman rally driver to grace the Safari Rally when she took part in the 1974 edition alongside her late co-driver Sylvia Omino.
She was also known for showcasing African attire with matching massive head scarfs.
Manduli described herself as “lioness in her cage” and in 2005, she was embroiled in a leadership wrangle at the NGO Council which roped in then Culture and Heritage minister Najib Balala who locked gates of the State agency, blocking everybody from entering or leaving the premises.
Maduli refused to step down as the chairperson, despite numerous calls for her resignation.
She locked herself in the council’s offices. Armed policemen stood guard, allowing journalists to speak with Manduli through a small opening at the gate.