Veteran politician Phoebe Asiyo dies at 93

Former Karachuonyo MP and UN envoy Phoebe Asiyo in her home at Wi Kondiek Village in Karachuonyo Constituency. (James Omoro, Standard) Veteran politician and former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Muga Asiyo is dead. Asiyo died on Thursday in a hospital in North Carolina, United States of America, at the age of 93. According to her son, Caesar Asiyo, she died of a stroke. "She died in hospital while my brother and two sisters were taking care of her," Caesar said. He added that his mother suffered a stroke a few months ago while visiting his siblings in the US. "My mother developed a stroke not long ago when she was in America. It seemed difficult for medics to manage the condition at her age," Caesar said. He described his mother's death as a serious setback to the family. "Her death is a serious setback to the family, and I call on Kenyans to join us in mourning her," he added. Asiyo was first elected MP for Karachuonyo in 1980 and served until 1983, when Parliament was dissolved. She was re-elected to Parliament in 1992 after the inception of the multi-party system on a Ford Kenya ticket. She served until 1997, when the late Paul Adhu Awiti took over. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga eulogised Asiyo as a woman who paved the way for many women leaders to ascend to elective positions. Wanga said Asiyo became an MP at a time when it was difficult for a woman to hold such a position. "It is very sad that Kenya has lost a trailblazer, Hon Asiyo, who became MP at a time when it was difficult for a woman to walk that path. Many women faced obstacles, but she managed it," Wanga said. She described Asiyo as a woman who mentored others into political leadership. "Many female leaders, including myself, acquired their positions because of her mentorship. On behalf of the people of Homa Bay and my family, I extend my condolences to her family during this difficult time," Wanga said. Homa Bay County Bunge la Wenye Nchi Speaker Walter Opiyo described the late Asiyo as a senior politician whom leaders often consulted. Opiyo said Asiyo remained resourceful even during her retirement from politics. "Asiyo was a source of wisdom for both female and male politicians who sought knowledge on various political matters. We have lost a resourceful leader. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Opiyo said. Before serving as the MP for Karachuonyo, Asiyo joined Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation in 1953. In 1958, she was elected chairperson of the same organisation. At the time, Maendeleo ya Wanawake was a very powerful women's organisation in Kenya. Asiyo served as an ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) from 1988 to 1992. She was the first woman to be elevated to the position of Luo Elder for her efforts in promoting girl child education, women's rights, and gender equality in Kenya.

Veteran politician Phoebe Asiyo dies at 93

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Veteran politician Phoebe Asiyo dies at 93

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