Nation Mourns Phoebe Asiyo, a Trailblazer for Women and Social Justice

Burial Ceremony of Phoebe Asiyo, former Karachuonyo MP [Edward Kiplimo] Leaders and civil society representatives on Wednesday poured tributes to Phoebe Asiyo, the iconic former Karachuonyo MP, diplomat, and pioneer of Kenya's women's movement, who passed away on July 16 in North Carolina, USA. Among those present at the memorial service were Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, former MYWO chairperson Zipporah Kittony, Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, Senator Margaret Kamar, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Migori County MP Fatuma Mohammed, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, among others. In a ceremony suffused with solemnity and gratitude, speakers described Asiyo, 90, not merely as a politician, but as a movement and an institution. They said her life's work carved pathways for women in leadership, advanced the cause of the marginalized, and reshaped the national conscience on gender and justice. "Mama Phoebe was not just our patron, she was our compass," said Rahab Muiu, the National Chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) which Asiyo led from 1958, ushering in a formidable era of women's mobilisation and policy influence. "She was a woman of immense wisdom; no situation was ever too big for her." Asiyo, who first joined MYWO in 1953, would later become a global voice for African women, working with the United Nations and several development agencies to combat poverty, HIV/AIDS, and harmful cultural practices, including female genital mutilation. Her political rise was equally historic. Born on September 12, 1932, Asiyo was among the first women from Nyanza to enter the August House, following in the trail blazed by Grace Onyango, Kenya's first female MP. Asiyo would go on to represent Karachuonyo Constituency in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, serving as a mentor to a generation of women leaders. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo recalled how Asiyo's 1997 affirmative action Motion in Parliament laid the foundation for women's political participation. "Many of us are here courtesy of Phoebe Asiyo because we were first nominated before we were elected. She gave us a voice when we had none," she said. That sentiment was echoed by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who noted that six out of twelve peace leaders in Homa Bay County are now women , a legacy, he said, of Asiyo's belief in quiet but firm leadership. "Mama Phoebe taught us that you can rebuke without raising your voice and correct without condemning. Her leadership was defined by dignity, not noise," he remarked. In 2018, the State awarded her the Order of the Burning Spear, one of Kenya's highest honours, in recognition of her enduring contribution to gender equality, girls' education, and social justice. But perhaps her most groundbreaking distinction was cultural. Asiyo made history by becoming the first woman ever appointed a Luo elder, a role traditionally reserved for men,cementing her place not just in political, but also cultural and communal history. A mother, a mentor, and a matriarch of the struggle for equality, Phoebe Asiyo leaves behind a legacy that will echo for generations. Her family remembered her for the deep love she shared for them and those around her. June Asiyo, daughter to the late praised their mother for standing firm in what she believed in and for fighting for her children's right for education. "My sister was the first black woman to join Maxwel which was reserved for the whites,my late mother so much insisted for her admission there and for that we really appreciate the passion she had for women empowerment,"she said. June also said that as a family they are contented that their mother died well having said her goodbyes. "Before her passing we talked about everything,inheritance,abundance favoritism,legacy's .We put a lot of emphasis on living a good life but fail to prepare for our final days,my mother died peacefully and well," she said. She however challenged all women leaders who stood on her mother's shoulders to carry forth her legacy and represent the people of Kenya with passion and courage. "My mother lovers each one of us equally,she loved deeply and truly.we shall miss her dearly,"said one of her daughters," she said. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in his tribute said Asiyo's life journey has reminded him of the issues that still face Kenya to date. "Reading through mamas Eulogy, it has reminded me about the issues that we still discuss today about the Centrality of Calues in every discourse and that one can never compromise their values," he said. Sifuna also noted that the late Asiyo was a challenger of established norms especially ones that were biased to women. "It has been said that during her time women were not allowed to study mathematics and science but she managed to challenge that established norm," he said He also called on inclusion of more women in the decision making and agenda setting of the country affirming that women bring a lot of progress in matters when involved. "Mama Asiyo has taught us that the place of a woman is not just in the kitchen as we were meant to believe by our fathers,she has made it clear that when women are involved in leadership roles a lot of positive progress is archived,"said Sifuna. He also alluded that as ODM through their party leadewr Raila Odinga, they have made progress in women inclusions seen from the many women leaders the party has. "As a party we share in Mamas vision in women empowerment and that is why you see very many women leaders in the ODM party,"he said.

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