Kenya is mourning the death of Mwalimu Laban Buyu, a celebrated educator and the father of Dorothy Nyong’o, wife to Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
The news of his passing was shared on November 6, 2026, by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who broke the news in a heartfelt tribute on Facebook.
In his post, Orengo described Buyu as a towering figure in Kenyan education.
”A giant in education has fallen. Rest well, mzee,” he wrote, paying tribute to a man he characterised as a beloved father and legendary teacher.
Who was Mwalimu Laban Buyu?
Beyond his career in education, Laban Buyu was best known publicly as the father of Dorothy Nyong’o, who is married to Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, a veteran politician and current Kisumu Governor.
That family connection also makes Buyu the maternal grandfather of Lupita Nyong’o, the acclaimed Hollywood actress who won an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave and has gone on to become one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainers on the global stage.
Orengo, himself a long-time political ally and friend of Anyang’ Nyong’o, described the late educator as a “beloved father” and extended his condolences to the family in his tribute post.
Family yet to speak publicly As of the time of this article, neither Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o nor Lupita Nyong’o had publicly commented on the passing of their father-in-law and grandfather, respectively, with no statements shared on their social media platforms.
Orengo’s post drew attention across Kenyan social media, with many noting the significance of Buyu’s connection to one of the country’s most prominent families.
