Dr. Zachary Onyonka, a former Cabinet Minister and the father of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, is remembered as one of Kenya’s most influential scholars-turned-politicians.He made history as the first man from the Gusii community to earn a PhD, setting a strong academic and leadership legacy.
His early life unfolded in what was then Meru District, where his father, Gorio Oeri Myura, worked as a police officer.
The family eventually moved to Kisii after his father took on a new role in the Provincial Administration as an assistant chief, a decision that significantly influenced his upbringing in the area he would later represent.
Dr. Onyonka gained national recognition in 1969 when he ran for the Kitutu West parliamentary seat and defeated Lawrence Sagini Ndemo, who had been the first Cabinet Minister from the Gusii region.
His political career advanced even further after the assassination of Economic Planning Minister Tom Mboya.
At the young age of 30, he was appointed by President Jomo Kenyatta to a Cabinet position, making him one of the youngest ministers in the history of Kenya.A trained economist, he was celebrated for his keen intellect and his practice of personally writing his speeches.
In addition to his political engagements, he held several leadership positions, such as the chairman of the Kisii CANU branch and a board member of the East African Development Bank.
He was also awarded the title of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) and received an honorary Doctor of Letters.
Dr. Onyonka passed away on October 22, 1996, while serving as Minister for Research, Technical Training and Technology, leaving behind a legacy rich in scholarship and dedication to public service.