KISII, Kenya – Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri has intensified her grassroots campaign in Kisii County, engaging members of the public from all walks of life as part of her preparations for the 2027 general election.
The youthful senator, who serves as the vice-chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialisation, and Tourism, has been sharing the engagements on her official social media accounts.
Her latest engagement was meeting Omwamba Moronya, a popular, dedicated radio fan and a recognisable personality among listeners of the Kisii radio station Egesa FM.
Omwamba is famous within the Abagusii community for his frequent, energetic on-air shout-outs and consistent participation in the station’s shout-out segments (like Ebirrrrundo or Ebikurukera).
“As a radio enthusiast, I grew up listening to his voice on the airwaves. His wit, charisma and passion, while acknowledging ‘amashabiki’ kept many of us entertained and informed over the years. To finally meet the man behind the voice was both a privilege and a memorable moment,” the senator wrote on Facebook.
Why Omwamba Moranya still uses an old Nokia phone
Okenyuri, who is also an active member of the Senate Health Committee, as well as the Powers and Privileges Committee, disclosed that she was struck most by his simplicity and authenticity.
“Despite living in an age dominated by smartphones, he still carries and uses his trusted Nokia phone for making calls. He explained that the small phone offers a more stable network connection that allows broadcasters on the other end to, with ease, identify his calls,” the senator added.
Omwamba, who often identifies himself with Magenche County / Magenche Ward in Kisii County, makes regular references to his roots while sending messages to his fans, mostly domiciled in Kisii County.
“True to his reputation as a devoted radio lover, he also keeps a portable radio close by. This meant that he could tune in and stay connected to the world through the medium he loved most at any given time. It was truly inspiring to see someone whose passion for “oboshabiki” and radio remains strong to date,” stated the senator.
Having entertained generations of listeners, Senator Okenyuri reiterated that she was convinced that Omwamba’s voice will remain etched in the memories of many of us for years to come.
Okenyuri meets members of the Voice Melody Choir
Omwamba commands a strong online following of thousands of fans on his official Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
The senator nominated by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has championed several bills and motions, including the County Civic Education Bill and legislation to protect the livelihoods of street vendors and hawkers.
Additionally, Okenyuri recently met a section of members of Voice Melody Choir, revealing that for quite some time, she has been following their inspiring journey through their captivating performances on YouTube.
“Their melodious voices, powerful message and remarkable musical excellence cannot be overlooked. Today, I had the privilege of meeting part of the choir, and I can hardly contain my excitement,” she said.
Beyond the music, Senator Okenyuri observed that she encountered “a group of passionate and humble individuals committed to using their gift to inspire hope, strengthen faith and uplift souls through gospel ministry”.
What Okenyuri’s meeting with Onsando meant
At a time when the world is yearning for spiritual nourishment, encouragement and moral grounding, Senator Okenyuri indicated that music that edifies the soul remains deeply important.
“By the way, ‘Amesimama Nasi’ is one of the songs I have genuinely enjoyed and one that continues to minister to many people,” disclosed Okenyuri while urging her fans and supporters to consider subscribing to their YouTube channel for blessings.
This came hours after the senator also held talks with Wilkister Onsando, a veteran Kenyan women’s rights activist, a moment she described as an absolute honour to meet and drink from her cup of wisdom and experience.
“A true woman of substance whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Long before I had the privilege of meeting her, I grew up hearing my grandmother speak of her with immense admiration and pride while recalling their days in the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation with deep respect and nostalgia,” stated the senator.
Onsando, a community leader and a prominent figure in the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO), served as the national chairperson of the organisation during the 1980s, where she played a pivotal role in shaping women’s advocacy and empowering communities nationwide.
“The walls of my grandmother’s home were decorated with treasured photographs from the pre-2000 era. They were reminders of a generation of strong, visionary women who dedicated their lives to community leadership and the empowerment of others. Among those memories, Hon. Wilkister Onsando stood out as a symbol of resilience, grace, intellect and purposeful leadership,” Senator Okenyuri further said.
Inside Wilkister Onsando’s activism journey
Alongside other pioneering leaders like Phoebe Asiyo and Jane Kiano, Onsando helped elevate the status of Kenyan women, including being deeply involved during the landmark 3rd UN World Conference on Women hosted in Nairobi in 1985.
“Meeting her felt like encountering living history. As former national chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, she played a remarkable role in shaping women’s leadership and advocacy in Kenya during a defining period in the country’s social and political history. Her work and lifelong dedication to empowering women and communities across Kenya are and will always be remembered,” the senator recalled.
Today, Onsando remains an active and respected figure in the women’s movement, serving as an official member of the MYWO Council of the Wise, which is chaired by Patron Beth Mugo.
“Standing beside such an extraordinary woman reminded me that true legacy lives far beyond positions and honours; it lives in the generations inspired, the lives transformed and the memories preserved through time,” explained Okenyuri.
Beyond her political and social activism, Onsando has been recognised in Kenya’s agribusiness sector for operating a large-scale, 400-plant passion fruit farm in Borabu, Nyamira County, advocating for higher returns for local farmers.
“It’s always a privilege to learn from the best and the most experienced in leadership and service to the people, as we seek to serve our people and impact our community positively for a better tomorrow,” the senator further said.
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