The late former Kasipul-Kabondo MP, Samuel Onyango Ayodo, made history as the first Kenyan from the Luo community to study in America. Born in 1930, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953.
Here is his story, as told by WoA.
Early Life
The teacher-turned-politician was born in Kothuro Village, Homa Bay County, in 1930 to William Ayodo and Dusila Sawala. His father served as an assistant chief.
Marriage
According to Kenya Yearbook, he was married to Damaris Evangeline, with whom he was blessed with seven children. Damaris went on to become the chairperson of the National Council of Women of Kenya and an official of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation.
Education
Ayodo began his early education at Wang’apala, attending classes A, B, and C from 1938 to 1940. Excelling in his exams, he progressed to Kamagambo Intermediate School from 1941 to 1945, completing up to class eight. He then attended Maseno School for his secondary education between 1946 and 1949. After high school, Ayodo joined Makerere University before making history in 1952 as the first Luo to study in the United States. In 1956, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in history, religious studies, and education from Nebraska College.
Career
Ayodo’s career was just about to take off as he became the first person from his area to obtain a university degree. After returning from the United States, he began teaching at Kamagambo Seventh Day Adventist School and later at Agoro Sare. He eventually joined Kisii Secondary School, where he taught between 1954 and 1957—then the only government school in the region.
He was elected as the first chairperson of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in South Nyanza, further solidifying his role in education and leadership.
Ayodo ventured into active politics in 1959 when he was elected to the Colonial Legislative Council, representing the vast South Nyanza region, which at the time also included the Gusii area. This significant milestone was facilitated by Tom Mboya, who recruited him from Kisii Government School (now Kisii High School), with support from Musa Nyandusi. Nyandusi endorsed Ayodo, citing his superior education and personality compared to Lawrence Sagini and Polcapo Mboya.
In 1961, Ayodo ran for the South Nyanza constituency seat and won decisively, defeating his rival, Lawrence Oguda. At that time, the South Nyanza electoral area encompassed vast regions, including what are now Kericho, Bomet, and parts of Narok Counties, as well as Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, and Migori Counties.
