Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid tribute to his wife, Pauline, following the renaming of Kyuso Girls School as Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls – Kyuso in recognition of her advocacy for girls’ education.

In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Kalonzo said the honour transcends personal recognition and represents the community’s investment in educating their daughters.

“Today, in the heart of Kyuso, my community bestowed upon my family an honour that transcends personal recognition. They renamed Kyuso Girls School as Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls – Kyuso,” Kalonzo stated.

The Wiper leader described the renaming as more than honouring one woman, saying it represents a collective commitment to girls’ education.

“The renaming of this school is not merely about honouring one woman. It is a declaration by an entire community that they are invested in the education of their daughters. It is a collective affirmation that education remains the most powerful weapon against poverty, inequality, and hopelessness,” he said.

Kalonzo quoted the ceremonial plaque which read: “We celebrate your love for the education of the Girl Child in Kenya. Thank you for making us generational evidence of this love. We love you.”

Tribute to wife’s selfless service

Kalonzo, who was recently named the Azimio leader, praised his wife’s decades-long advocacy for girls’ education and her impact on countless young women across Kenya.

“To my beloved wife, Mama Pauline Kalonzo Musyoka, today’s honour reflects the light you have been to countless girls across this nation. Your quiet strength, your unwavering belief in the power of educating the girl child, and your tireless advocacy are the foundations upon which this legacy stands,” Kalonzo said.

He described her as having walked the journey “with grace, purpose, and a mother’s heart that sees possibility in every young girl who dares to dream.”

“This school now bears your name because you earned it through decades of selfless service. I am forever grateful to call you my partner, my pillar, and the heartbeat of our family,” he added.

Kalonzo emphasised that education should be accessible to every Kenyan child regardless of their background or location.

“I was reminded of a fundamental truth that has anchored my entire life in public service: education is not a privilege for the fortunate few; it is the birthright of every Kenyan child,” he stated.

Drawing from his own experience, the Wiper leader said quality education must not be monopolised by urban centres or affluent neighbourhoods.

“I come from humble beginnings; from communities just like these, where the journey to school was often longer than the lesson itself, where books were treasures shared among many, and where every educated child carried a village’s collective dream,” Kalonzo said.

“Every child, whether born in rural villages or bustling cities, deserves an equal shot at excellence, opportunity, and dignity,” he added.

The Wiper leader further described the renamed school as representing a covenant to fight for quality education for all children.

“Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls – Kyuso now stands not merely as a school, but as a covenant between generations: that we will fight for quality education for all; that we will ensure no child is left behind; and that the girl child will always have champions in her corner. This is our promise and our purpose,” Kalonzo stated.

Community transformation power

The Azimio leader called on communities to take collective responsibility for ensuring children complete their education.

“When a village decides that every girl will complete her education; when families refuse to let poverty dictate a child’s destiny; when neighbours pool resources to keep just one more student in class, that is when transformation truly begins,” he said.

Kalonzo thanked his sons, Kennedy and Kevin, for representing the family with dignity at the ceremony.

“To my sons, Kennedy and Kevin, who represented our family and their mother with such dignity today: thank you. You embody the values your mother has instilled, and in standing there today, you reminded us all that this legacy is generational,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Makueni County Women Representative Rose Museo for officiating the rebranding on Valentine’s Day, describing it as appropriate timing for a day that celebrates love.

“What greater love is there than investing in our children’s future?” Kalonzo asked.

Also present were Kitui County Governor Julius Malombe, Kitui County Women Representative Irene Kasalu, Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu, and other leaders.