Political leaders, dignitaries, and members of the public are set to gather in Kibiri Ward, Homa Bay County today for the burial of Phoebe Asiyo, a pioneering Kenyan stateswoman whose life’s work transformed the country’s gender equality landscape.
Asiyo, who died on July 16, 2025, in North Carolina, USA at the age of 90, will be remembered as a trailblazer, a tireless advocate for women’s rights, and a maternal figure whose influence spanned generations.
A former Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo Constituency, Asiyo broke barriers in Kenyan politics at a time when female leadership was rare. She also served as president of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO), where she became the backbone of Kenya’s women’s movement, championing education for girls, economic empowerment, and greater political representation for women.
Her achievements extended beyond the political arena. In a historic milestone, she became the first woman to be appointed a Luo elder, a recognition traditionally reserved for men. In 2018, she was awarded the Chief of the Burning Spear, one of Kenya’s highest state honors, for her enduring efforts to promote gender equality and uplift vulnerable communities.
Colleagues and protégés alike have described her as a mentor, visionary leader, and unyielding advocate for justice. “Mama Phoebe Asiyo was not only a leader but also a mother to the women’s movement in Kenya,” one former MYWO official noted.
Born into a modest background, Asiyo rose to become a respected national figure. Her legacy includes inspiring countless women to enter leadership and public service, and influencing policies that continue to shape Kenya’s gender agenda.
She was married to the late Richard Genga Asiyo, himself a respected community leader. Together, they raised a family rooted in service, and she leaves behind children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry her values forward.
Today’s funeral is expected to draw national attention, with prominent leaders from across the political spectrum paying tribute to a life well-lived. For many, Phoebe Asiyo’s passing marks the end of an era but her work, vision, and spirit will live on in the fight for equality in Kenya and beyond.
