We look at a List of Notable Personalities from Bunyore, Kenya. Bunyore is a locality in the Vihiga County in the western province of Kenya. It is largely inhabited by Luhya, who speak the OLunyole dialect of the Luhya language. In the local language, the place is known as Ebunyore and its people as the Abanyore (the descendants of Anyore). It is divided into eight locations namely Central Bunyore, West Bunyore, South Bunyore, South-West Bunyore, East Bunyore, North Bunyore, North East Bunyore, and Wekhomo. Prior to 1990, Bunyore was under Kakamega District, divided into East and West Bunyore locations. As population increased, the former West Bunyore was split into Central, West, South and South West locations while the former East Bunyore was split into North, North East, Wekhomo and East Bunyore locations in order to better serve the people.
Bunyore is home to the national headquarters of the Church of God in Kenya, Bunyore Girls’ High School and Kima School of Theology all of which are located at Kima. A significant town in Bunyore is Luanda, Kenya, located on the Kisumu-Busia Highway. Maseno University, in the neighboring Maseno town, is less than 6 miles from Kima.
List of Notable Personalities from Bunyore, Kenya. Bunyore, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and educational prominence, has produced several notable personalities who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some distinguished individuals of Bunyore origin:
Political Figures
- Kenneth Marende: Former Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Marende has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and parliamentary governance.
- Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Otichilo: The Governor of Vihiga county since August 2017 and former Member of Parliament for Emuhaya Constituency, Otichilo has a background in environmental science and remote sensing.
- Esau Khamati Oriedo: A notable politician during the colonial era, Oriedo was known for his activism against colonial rule and advocacy for social justice.
- Nelson Mwangala Otwoma – Councillor of Luanda
- Cris Omulele – Former Mp Luanda Constituency
- Sande Mukuna – Former Mp Emuhaya Constituency
- Sheldon Sangolo Muchilwa – Former Mp Emuhaya Constituency
- Milemba Jeremiah Omboko – MP Emuhaya Constituency
- Wilson Mukuna – Former Mp Emuhaya Constituency
- Reuben Sechele Nyangweso Majority Leader Kakamega county Assembly (2013–present)
- Anthony Andanje (2020) Kenya former ambassador permanent representative to the United Nations Office
- Hon. Angatia, Ayub Savula – Deputy Governor Kakamega County
- Sen. Osotsi Godfrey Atieno – Senator Vihiga County
- Hon. Beatrice Adagala: Vihiga County Women Representative.
- Hon. Paul Tirrah: Community leader/politician involved in local youth and education development.
- Hon. Collins Anyanje Ayugu: MCA Banja Ward.
Scientific and Academic Contributors
- Blasio Vincent Ndale Esau Oriedo (1931–1966): A pioneering parasitological epidemiologist, he made significant strides in the study, control, and eradication of infectious and tropical diseases in Africa.
- Reuben J. Olembo (1937-2005): An academic and environmentalist, Olembo served as the Deputy Executive Director of UNEP and was a former UN Assistant Secretary General.
- Laban Ayiro, Kenyan academic, currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Daystar University
- Prof. Aggrey Magellan Sindabi
- Prof. Green Oketch
- Dr. Reuben Abasa of Emusenjeli
- Princilla Were: Renowned former Principal of Bunyore Girls High School and Lugulu Girls, recognized for raising academic standards in Western Kenya.
- Anyona Ivy: A top-performing student from Bunyore Girls who attained an A plain of 84 points in the 2024 KCSE exam.
Religious Leadership
- Dr. Festo Habakuk Imanye Olang (circa 1908-2004) (deceased): He holds the distinction of being the first African Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history in Africa.
- Mary Akatsa – Founder of Jerusalem of Christ Church
- Rt Rev Dr. Byrum Akhaenda Makokha (deceased) 1932 – 2021 – Archbishop of Church of God in East Africa
- James Obunde – Archbishop of Church of God in East Africa
- Bishop Dr. Sammy Ommasaba – Founder of Revival Community Worship Church – Kima
- Obed Ochwanyi (deceased) – Leader of separist movement in Church of God which took over churches like Essongolo and Emusenjeli
- Dir. Rev Ernest Akhaenda – A leader in Church of God
- ArchBishop James Obunde
- Henry & Gertrude Kramer: European missionaries who pioneered work, including education and healthcare, in Kima, Bunyore.
Activism and Social Contributions
- Ruth Habwe (d. 1996): A feminist activist and politician, Habwe was known for her efforts in advocating for women’s rights and social justice in Kenya.
Sports Personalities
- Shem Chimoto (deceased): Former captain of the Kenya National Football Team and Abaluhya Football Club.
- John Nyawanga: He served as the captain of the Kenya National Football Team during the 1972 AFCON Finals and played for Abaluhya Football Club.
- Gerry Ebole (deceased): A former player for the National Hockey team and Sikh Union, Ebole contributed significantly to the sports field in Kenya.
Arts and Media
- Gloria Muliro: A gospel singer known for her inspirational music and contribution to the Kenyan music industry.
- Kakai Kissinger: A human rights lawyer and activist, Kissinger has been involved in advocacy for justice and human rights in Kenya and beyond.
- Basett Buyukah: A veteran journalist and media personality, Buyukah has had a lasting impact on the media landscape in Kenya.
- Shem Tube (deceased) – Was a Kenyan vocalist and musician. He is a member of Abana Ba Nasery from Mwilonje.
- Sila wa Sila – Opaka, professionally known as Sila wa Sila, is a Kenyan vocalist, drummer, guitarist, and musician from Bunyore Vihiga County, Western Kenya.
- Shizo Mkenya – Saul Olembo is a Kenyan Vocalist and music rights activist from Bunyore.
- Selly Kadot Amutabi: Well-known radio presenter.
- Alfred Angote: Local teacher and elder known for documenting local history, including the culture around the Bunyore Hills.
- Henry & Gertrude Kramer: European missionaries who pioneered work, including education and healthcare, in Kima, Bunyore.
- Dishon G. Kweya – Historian
- Mark Amuko Otiende – Historian
Business and Economics
- Kwendo Opanga – Former CEO Standard Group
- Benswell Muchilwa – Retail trader Wekhomo Market
- Nelson Otwoma Mwangala
Construction and Real Estate Personalities
- Melkzadeck Ongong’a Opwotsi – Co Founder of Moss Capendry and Building Construction
- Sheldon Saunya Sangolo – Co Founder of Moss Capendry and Building Construction
These individuals from Bunyore have made notable contributions in their respective fields, highlighting the region’s diverse talent and the significant impact its natives have had on the national and international stage.
