Millicent Omanga recalls painful childhood after father’s death
By Paulette Mboga, June 24, 2026Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has opened up about the painful period after the death of her father, saying the experience shaped her life and gave her a deeper appreciation for widows.
As World Widows’ Day came to an end on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the politician paid tribute to her mother, who was left to raise eight children on her own after losing her husband.
“As World Widows Day comes to an end, I cannot let this day pass without honouring the woman who shaped my life—my mother,” Omanga said.
Omanga explained that her mother became a widow at a difficult time and had the responsibility of raising a large family without the support of a spouse. She said being the firstborn allowed her to witness the challenges her mother faced every day.
“My mother became a widow and was left to raise eight children on her own,” she said.
She recalled seeing the sacrifices her mother made to keep the family together. According to Omanga, her mother endured sleepless nights, carried many worries in silence, and remained strong despite the hardships that came her way.
“As her firstborn, I witnessed the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, the worries she carried in silence, and the strength she showed even when life seemed overwhelming,” she explained.
Mother’s strength through hardship
Omanga said her mother never allowed difficult circumstances to defeat her. She described her as a woman who found purpose even in painful moments and remained determined to secure a better future for her children.
“I saw a woman who refused to give up. A woman who turned pain into purpose, hardship into determination, and uncertainty into hope for her children,” she said.
The politician noted that her mother’s story reminds her of many widows across Nairobi and Kenya who continue to carry the responsibility of supporting their families despite facing personal struggles.
“Today, when I think of widows across Nairobi and Kenya, I think of women like my mother—women who carry families on their shoulders, who fight battles no one sees, and who continue to stand strong for the people who depend on them,” Omanga said.
She added that World Widows’ Day holds special meaning for her because it reflects the experiences of women whose efforts often go unnoticed. Omanga said widows deserve recognition for their courage, dignity, and commitment to their families.
“World Widows Day is not just a date on the calendar for me. It is deeply personal,” she said.