Kenya is mourning the loss of a true trailblazer and national icon — Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo, a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92.
Her family confirmed that Asiyo died in her sleep in North Carolina, USA, where she had been residing in her later years. The announcement was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the country and beyond.
“With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo. Her life, strength, and legacy will forever be remembered,” read part of the family’s heartfelt statement.
PHEOBE ASIYO: A VOICE THAT RESHAPED WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN KENYA
Phoebe Asiyo will forever be remembered as a fierce and fearless champion of gender equality, a woman who broke barriers at a time when women’s voices were often silenced in politics and society.
In 1982, she made history as Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo, at a time when female legislators were nearly nonexistent. Her election not only marked a milestone in Kenya’s political landscape but inspired generations of women to pursue leadership.
Even before Kenya’s 2010 Constitution enshrined the two-thirds gender rule, Asiyo was already championing the cause. She consistently pushed for the inclusion of women in governance, equity in representation, and the dismantling of societal norms that hindered women’s progress.
MAENDELEO YA WANAWAKE: THE MOVEMENT SHE HELPED SHAPE
Asiyo’s name remains synonymous with Maendeleo ya Wanawake, Kenya’s most influential women’s empowerment organization. Her leadership within the movement provided a foundation for nurturing women leaders, especially in rural communities.
Through this platform, she mobilized women across Kenya, encouraging self-reliance, civic participation, and gender-based reforms. Her influence played a crucial role in the expansion of women’s voices in both local and national development agendas.
INTERNATIONAL VOICE FOR GENDER JUSTICE
Beyond Kenya’s borders, Asiyo served as Kenya’s representative to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She participated in critical global discussions around gender justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, elevating Kenya’s position on the world stage.
Her advocacy reached far and wide, making her a globally respected figure in women’s rights and diplomacy.
A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND NATIONHOOD
In her later years, Asiyo remained actively engaged in national issues, especially around peacebuilding and reconciliation. During periods of political tension, her voice was one of wisdom and calm — calling for unity and healing.
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR A NATIONAL LEGEND
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led the nation in paying tribute to the late icon, calling her a guiding light and an irreplaceable mentor.
“Mama Phoebe Asiyo was not just a leader. She was the steady hand that lifted others, the voice that spoke for the voiceless, and the unwavering spirit that refused to accept injustice,” said Governor Wanga.
Phoebe Asiyo leaves behind a lasting legacy — one etched into Kenya’s democratic progress, its Constitution, and its national memory. Her work opened doors for women across the country, and her voice, though now silent, continues to echo in every stride Kenyan women make toward equality.
