Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o cuts a cake with the help of his wife Dorothy, to mark his 80th birthday, October 10, 2025. /ANYANG' NYONG'O.X
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o turned 80 on Friday, October 10.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife Dorothy Nyong’o, his family, and county staff for organising a surprise birthday party celebration to mark the milestone.
In a statement on X, the governor said he was deeply touched by the love and warm wishes he received on the special occasion.
“I’m deeply grateful to Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o, my family, County Executive Committee colleagues, and our county staff for organising a wonderful surprise birthday celebration as I turn 80,” Nyong’o said.
“For your wishes — from your minds to God’s ear. Erokamano uru na Bwana asifiwe (Thank you so much and glory to the Lord).”
Nyong’o’s light-hearted response to the surprise reflected his characteristic calm and humour — a hallmark of his leadership style.
The celebration was organised by his family and county officials, who surprised the governor with a gathering that brought together colleagues, friends, and supporters.
The event highlighted Nyong’o’s decades of service in public life and his enduring influence in Kenya’s political and academic circles.
Nyong’o, who has been at the helm of Kisumu county since 2017, is a veteran politician, scholar and reformist whose career spans over four decades.
Before his election as governor, he served as a Cabinet minister and Member of Parliament, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most articulate advocates for governance reforms and social justice.
His wife, Dorothy Nyong’o — fondly known as “Mama Kisumu” — is a respected public health advocate and the Managing Trustee of Africa Cancer Foundation.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o feeds his wife Dorothy with cake as he marks his 80th birthday, October 10, 2025. /ANYANG' NYONG'O.XDorothy, who went through a close encounter with cancer when her husband Nyong’o was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, believes that with sufficient information shared in the right way, cancer deaths could be reduced.
Together, the couple has been recognised for their contributions to health, education and community development.
They have six children, the most famous of them being actress Lupita Nyong'o, the Academy Award winner for best supporting actress in the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave, in which she starred as Patsey, a slave girl.
Messages of goodwill poured in from across the country, with leaders, residents and well-wishers celebrating the governor’s milestone and commending his dedication to public service.
The mood at the celebration was jovial, with county staff describing the event as a heartfelt tribute to a leader they admire for his intellect, humility and sense of purpose.
As Kisumu continues to implement major infrastructure, health, and cultural projects, the governor’s 80th birthday served as both a personal and public moment of reflection on his legacy and the city’s transformation under his watch.
