End of an era as celebrated icon Phoebe Asiyo is laid to rest
Nyanza
By
Rogers Otiso and James Omoro
| Aug 09, 2025
She was an icon to behold. A trailblazer who inspired lives and rolled out the carpet so that others could walk. A heroine deserving a State burial.
Those were some of the moving tributes for the late Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo as thousands of mourners converged at Wii Kondiek village in Homa Bay to witness her last sendoff.
Emotions laced with pride of her achievement filled the air as friends, family and the political class recounted her monstrous contribution to women’s empowerment and push for equality.
In her prime, she was among the few women who dared to dream and challenged a status quo that had been dominated by men in a fragile political environment.
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President William Ruto, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and a host of national and county leaders, led the country in paying tribute to the late veteran politician.
The sheer number of attendees—ranging from locals to dignitaries, and Kenyans who journeyed from as far as Migori, Kisumu, Nairobi, and even abroad — spoke volumes about the indelible mark she left on countless lives.
“Today, we honour this heroic woman with a national tribute,” said President Ruto. “We do this not because I was asked to, but because Mama Asiyo earned her place as a national hero. Her work laid the foundation for women leadership in our country.”
Asiyo passed away on July 17 in North Carolina, US, at the age of 93. She was honoured with a State funeral in recognition of her historic contribution to women’s leadership, human rights, and democracy in Kenya.
The President announced that Wikondiek Secondary School would be renamed Mama Phoebe Asiyo Secondary School, marking the first of several tributes. He also agreed with Raila’s proposal to erect a national monument in Nairobi in her honour, saying Asiyo deserves a place of pride both at home and in the capital.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, visibly emotional, reflected on his personal relationship with Asiyo and her pivotal role in Kenya’s political history.
“Phoebe was like my elder sister. She stood by me during difficult moments. She was a force in Parliament, a champion for women, a mentor, and a symbol of dignity,” Raila said. “This State burial honours her as the hero she was and I ask the President to follow this with a national monument for Mama Asiyo.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described Asiyo as a visionary leader who elevated national discourse.
“Phoebe Asiyo and Grace Ogot were a dynamic duo in Parliament — compassionate, humorous, and razor-sharp. Their contributions shaped the soul of our nation,” said Mudavadi.
Siaya Governor James Orengo used the occasion to urge the government to properly honour Kenya’s past heroes.
“We remember our heroes at their funerals,” said Orengo. “We must do better — Mama Asiyo, Tom Mboya they all deserve their rightful place in Kenya’s history.”
Governor Gladys Wanga, visibly moved, praised Asiyo’s pioneering role in women’s empowerment in Homa Bay and across the nation.
“It is because of Mama Asiyo that we, the women of Homa Bay, are in leadership. She broke the glass ceiling. our county has achieved 50-50 gender parity in top leadership,” Wanga said.