The late Samuel Onyango Ayodo, the former Kasipul-Kabondo MP, made a significant mark in Kenyan history as the first individual from the Luo community to study in the United States. Born in 1930, Ayodo earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953, marking a major milestone in both his personal journey and the broader educational landscape of Kenya.
Early Life
Born in Kothuro Village, Homa Bay County, Samuel Onyango Ayodo was the son of William Ayodo, an assistant chief, and Dusila Sawala. Growing up in a family with ties to local leadership, Ayodo was exposed to both education and public service from an early age.
Marriage
Ayodo married Damaris Evangeline, with whom he had seven children. Damaris later became a prominent figure, serving as the chairperson of the National Council of Women of Kenya and an official in the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation.
Education
Ayodo’s educational journey began in 1938 at Wang’apala, where he attended classes A, B, and C until 1940. Excelling academically, he advanced to Kamagambo Intermediate School, completing his primary education in 1945. He then enrolled at Maseno School for his secondary education from 1946 to 1949. After high school, Ayodo continued his studies at Makerere University before making history in 1952 as the first Luo to study in the United States. In 1956, he graduated from Nebraska College with a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in history, religious studies, and education.
Career
Upon returning to Kenya, Ayodo became the first person from his community to hold a university degree, a significant achievement that opened the door to an impactful career. He began teaching at Kamagambo Seventh Day Adventist School, later moving to Agoro Sare. His teaching career continued at Kisii Secondary School, the only government school in the region at the time, where he taught from 1954 to 1957.
Ayodo’s dedication to education and leadership led him to be elected as the first chairperson of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in South Nyanza, further cementing his role as an influential figure in education.
In 1959, Ayodo entered the political arena when he was elected to the Colonial Legislative Council, representing the expansive South Nyanza region, which also included the Gusii area. His entry into politics was supported by key figures, including Tom Mboya, who recruited him from Kisii Government School (now Kisii High School), with endorsement from Musa Nyandusi, who praised Ayodo’s qualifications and character over other candidates like Lawrence Sagini and Polcapo Mboya.
In 1961, Ayodo ran for the South Nyanza constituency seat and emerged victorious, defeating his rival Lawrence Oguda. At the time, the South Nyanza constituency was vast, encompassing areas that are now parts of Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
Through his dedication to education and politics, Samuel Onyango Ayodo left an indelible legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
