Kenya’s first Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Phoebe Asiyo dies at 93
She was elected Karachuonyo Member of Parliament twice, in 1979 and 1992, at a time when female representation in Parliament was rare.
Veteran politician and gender equality pioneer Phoebe Asiyo has died in North Carolina, United States, aged 93.
Her family announced her death on Thursday, describing her as a “cherished mother” whose presence and love will be deeply missed.
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“With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares the profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo, who has peacefully passed away in North Carolina, USA. Her presence and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” read the family’s statement.
“We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate this difficult time. Details regarding the memorial services and funeral arrangements will be communicated soon.”
Born in 1932 to a pastor at a missionary centre, Mama Asiyo was a trailblazer whose life was deeply rooted in the strength of family.
Married to the late Richard Asiyo for over six decades, she was a mother of five and described by her family as a constant source of inspiration.
Asiyo’s journey began as a teacher after completing her studies at Kamagambo High School in Migori and later Kangaru Teachers College in Embu. She briefly taught at Pumwani School before joining the Nairobi Municipal Council as a social worker.
In 1953, a year after the formation of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO), she joined the women’s movement and, in 1958, made history as the first African woman to chair the organisation.
Her election faced opposition from four white executive members who doubted her ability to lead. However, Asiyo, with the support of fellow African leaders, redefined MYWO’s mission, focusing on economic empowerment, health and political representation for women.
“I led women through MYWO in the direction of economic empowerment, women’s self-worth and self-esteem, learning new and better farming methods, the establishment of small-scale businesses, and lobbying for the improvement of women’s healthcare, especially maternal child health, nutrition, hygiene, political empowerment and representation in the three arms of government,” she recounted in her memoir, It is Possible: An African Woman Speaks.
Her leadership saw her and Priscilla Abwao, the first woman to serve in the Legislative Council in 1961, mobilise women leaders from across Kenya to visit Jomo Kenyatta in detention at Kapenguria in 1960, urging constitutional guarantees for women’s political representation.
Asiyo ventured into politics in 1979, buoyed by the Luo Council of Elders and the backing of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. She was elected Karachuonyo Member of Parliament twice, in 1979 and 1992, at a time when female representation in Parliament was rare.
During her time in Parliament, Asiyo was instrumental in pushing for gender reforms. In 1997, she tabled an Affirmative Action Motion that sought to address domestic violence, widow disinheritance, electoral violence against women, child marriage, widow inheritance, limited healthcare access, and female genital mutilation. Though defeated, her motion inspired future gender equality frameworks, including the two-thirds gender principle.
She also championed amendments to the constitution to secure parliamentary seats for women in each of the then eight provinces and advocated for affirmative action in education to help female students in arid and semi-arid regions.
As Kenya’s first female Senior Superintendent of Prisons, she reformed correctional facilities by introducing rehabilitation programmes and ensuring the separation of male and female inmates.
Her leadership extended beyond Parliament. Asiyo chaired the Caucus for Women Leadership, served as a member of Parliamentarians for Global Action, and worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) for 17 years.
In 2009, she became the first woman to be installed as an elder among Kenya’s 42 communities, joining groups such as the Ameru’s Njuri Ncheke and the Mijikenda’s Kaya elders. She was also a Commissioner on the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission and received honorary doctorates from Lehigh and York Universities, as well as the Order of the Grand Warrior from the Government of Kenya.
“Serving her country was the golden thread woven through her life. Beginning as a community development officer on the eve of Kenya’s independence, she became a pillar of hope and progress to many. She understood, with both humility and conviction, that service to country means service to humanity,” read part of her obituary shared via Dignity Memorial.
The Asiyo family indicated that details on memorial and burial arrangements will be shared soon.
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