Phoebe Asiyo to be accorded State Funeral for lifelong women's rights advocacy

The late Mama Phoebe Asiyo. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, July 28, 2025

Her burial, scheduled for August 8 in Kibiri Ward, Homa Bay County, follows President William Ruto’s approval of a national send-off after appeals from Maendeleo ya Wanawake leaders and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

Former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo will be honoured with a State Funeral, joining the ranks of Kenya’s most revered national figures, in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and leadership.

Her burial, scheduled for August 8 in Kibiri Ward, Homa Bay County, follows President William Ruto’s approval of a national send-off after appeals from Maendeleo ya Wanawake leaders and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. Asiyo died in a hospital in North Carolina, United States of America, at the age of 93 years.

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Governor Wanga confirmed on Sunday that she had consulted the Head of State following a request by the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation to elevate the funeral beyond a family affair to one of national significance.

“I raised the matter with the President, and he agreed that this would be a State Funeral. His Excellency the President and Baba [ODM leader Raila Odinga] are with us,” Wanga said.

In Kenya, State Funerals are reserved for persons of exceptional national importance. Those previously accorded such honours include Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Prof. Wangari Maathai, Michael Wamalwa, Lucy Kibaki and world marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum.

Phoebe Asiyo now joins that distinguished list, remembered not just as a legislator but as a path-breaking activist who consistently fought for women’s participation in governance.

Asiyo first entered Parliament in 1980 as the MP for Karachuonyo and served until 1983. She was re-elected in 1992 after the return of multi-party democracy and served until 1997. During her tenure, she played a significant role in advocating for the creation of the Woman Representative seat to expand women’s representation in the legislature.

She also shattered several glass ceilings beyond politics. In 1963, she became the first Senior Superintendent of Kenya Prisons, marking a historic achievement on the eve of independence. That same year, she became the first African chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO), where she used her leadership to economically empower women through small-scale businesses and agricultural practices.

Asiyo also made her mark internationally. She served as Kenya’s first Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and was appointed as a commissioner on the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. Within her Luo community, she held the title of the first female Elder, a recognition of her stature and influence.

She received honorary doctorates from Lehigh and York universities and was decorated with the Order of the Grand Warrior by the Government of Kenya.

ODM leader Raila Odinga had earlier visited Asiyo’s family at their home in Wikondiek Village, Rachuonyo North, to condole with them. He described Asiyo as a true trailblazer whose leadership opened doors for many women in Kenya's political space.

In his tribute, President William Ruto described the late Asiyo as “a bold and courageous leader who tirelessly championed women's inclusion in politics and leadership.”

“Her voice was instrumental in advancing this cause, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations,” he said.

As the country prepares to lay Asiyo to rest, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation has renewed its call for government support to continue its grassroots work.

National Chairperson Rahab Mwikali said the group, which has operated since 1952 and transitioned into a pan-African movement under Asiyo’s leadership, has historically served as a vehicle for delivering government programmes at the community level.

“We used to receive support from the government, and we continue to deliver State projects. It's only fair that we're supported accordingly,” Mwikali said.