MAMA SALOME NYABOKE ONGWAE

Sunrise 1954 – Sunset 2025

With profound sorrow and in humble submission to the will of God, we announce the passing into eternal glory of our beloved Mama Salome Nyaboke Ongwae, who rested in the Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi after a long period of illness borne with grace and fortitude.

Mama Salome was the cherished daughter of the late William Onchonga and the late Anne Kemuma Onchonga of Mwakibagendi, Kitutu Chache North, Bwo’nchonga.

She was the devoted wife of Nelson Ongwae Monari and co-wife of Grace Moraa Ongwae of Rioma Sub-location, Marani District, Kisii County.

A pillar of strength and love, Mama Salome was blessed with six children: Dennis Ongwae (NPS), Obadiah Ooga Ongwae (Ministry of Water), Edna Kwamboka (UK), Nevian Kerubo (USA), Bethwel Monari Ongwae (KPLC-Machakos), and Maureen Kemunto (UK).

Beyond her immediate children, she lovingly embraced her role as stepmother to many, including H.E. Hon.James E. O. Ongwae EGH, former Governor of Kisii County as well as Alice (MSA), the late Bosire, Edward (NRB), Dr. Enock Ongwae (Sweden), the late Evans, Margaret (NRB), Mike (USA), Timothy (Rioma), Lillian (NSDCC–Nairobi).

As a mother-in-law, she graciously welcomed into her family Risper Makori (KCG), Dr Laban Thiga (KUTRRH), Robert Nyariki (USA), and Lister Mbura (KCG).

She was also a stepmother-in-law of Elizabeth, Norah, Linet, Bernedatte, Jeliah, Pamela, and Mathews Osean.

She was a beloved sister of the late Obiero, the late Milka Nyakamba Ooko, late Maria Basweti, Manyura, Sagini, and others and a respected sister-in-law of Prof. Bosire Monari, Amb. Yabesh Monari (DPR New York), James Gesumwa (USA), Zachariah Omwocha, Henry Onsongo, the late Meshack Arande, the late Boyani, the late Moraa, the late Gechemba, the late Charles Mokaya, the late Steven Gesumwa and late Omwocha Monari.

Mama Salome was also in-law of the late Andrew and Basibika Makori of Kiogoro, Daniel and Grace Thiga of Othaya-Nyeri, the late Samson and Hellen Obwaya of Taracha, Justus Mbura Nyangaga and the late Monicah Nyakerario Mbura of Nyaramba- Nyamira County.

She was a loving aunt of Jeremiah Mayieka, Oreni Kenyenga,Tom Mokaya, Amwoma, Kerongo, Patriciah, James Mellen, Eunice, the late Aloyce, the Mayiekas, the Ondeus, the Mokayas, the Arandes, the Onsongos, the Omwochas, the Boyanis, the Gechembas and the Moraas among many others.

Above all, she was a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was also a treasured cousin, a devoted friend, and a woman whose warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Family and friends are meeting daily at Professional Centre Nairobi, Riara Valle Apartments Gatura rd Nairobi and Nyagoto Home in Rioma Kisii starting Monday 1st September 2025 from 5pm for funeral arrangements.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

Psalm 116:15 (KJV): “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints