- Raila said Mama Grace brightened independent Kenya's political landscape with many firsts.
- He also described her as a fearless articulator of national issues and an astute defender of her roots.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said that Kenya has lost an icon in the death of Mama Grace Onyango.
Mama Grace was Kenya's first female MP and Mayor.
In his condolence message, Raila said Mama Grace brightened independent Kenya's political landscape with many firsts.
"It is with profound sadness that I accept the passing of mama Grace Onyango on a day that world over we are celebrating the achievements of women singularly," he said.
"Nyabungu as we fondly called her illuminated the independent Kenya political landscape with a stride of 'firsts'. It was common to expect 'the first African Woman something' every time her name was mentioned. She was a leader and trailblazer to the hilt."
He also described her as a fearless articulator of national issues and an astute defender of her roots.
Raila said she was also a lone voice of wananchi at a time when it was risky to stand up and be counted.
Mama Grace passed on aged 99.
She died at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital on Wednesday. She had been ailing.
She was Kenya's first woman mayor, elected in Kisumu in 1965.
Grace was the first woman to be elected MP, for Kisumu Town in 1969 and served until 1983.
She was also the first woman secretary general of the Luo Union (East Africa) and the first woman councillor of Kaloleni ward in Kisumu.
The teacher-turned-politician was also the first woman assistant commissioner of the Girl Guides Association and chairperson of the Child Welfare Society, Kisumu district.