Former Karachuonyo Member of Parliament (MP) Phoebe Asiyo will be accorded a State funeral in recognition of her lifelong dedication to championing women's rights and leadership in Kenya.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga confirmed that she had consulted with President William Ruto , who agreed that the government would oversee the burial arrangements for the late legislator.
According to the governor, members of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation had appealed for the funeral to be elevated beyond a family affair, to one of national significance. The request was relayed to President Ruto and, with the support of both the organisation and Governor Wanga, was ultimately approved.
“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,” said Ms Wanga.
In his tribute, President Ruto had 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," the President said.
Then Deputy President William Ruto receives copy of the book 'It is Possible: An African Woman Speaks' from the author Phoebe Asiyo during the book's launch at State House, Nairobi on August 23, 2018.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
In Kenya, a State funeral is a formal public ceremony reserved for individuals of exceptional national importance, typically heads of state, senior political leaders, or figures who have made lasting contributions to the country. Previous recipients include Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Michael Wamalwa, Prof. Wangari Maathai, Lucy Kibaki, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and world marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Phoebe Asiyo, who passed away aged 93, now joins this distinguished group.
Her legacy is most notably marked by her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. She was instrumental in the eventual creation of the Woman Representative seat in Parliament, ensuring greater female participation in governance.
Ms Asiyo first entered Parliament in 1980 as the representative for Karachuonyo and served until 1983. She was re-elected in 1992 following the advent of multi-party democracy, continuing her service until 1997.
Former Karachuonyo MP, the late Phoebe Asiyo. John Mbadi hs renewed push for gender balance in tribute to her.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Beyond Parliament, she broke numerous barriers: she was the first Senior Superintendent of Kenya Prisons in 1963, the eve of independence, and the first African chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, a position she used to empower women economically through small-scale enterprise and improved agricultural practices.
Ms Asiyo also served as Kenya’s first Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), and was a commissioner on the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. Within her community, she was revered as the first female Elder among the Luo.
She received honorary doctorates from Lehigh and York Universities and was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior by the Government of Kenya.
“She was like a mother to me and to many women leaders in this region. As the first African chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, Mama Phoebe helped shape the organisation into a powerful voice for women across the country. Her legacy within and beyond the women’s movement is unmatched and will be long remembered.” said Governor Wanga.
Governor Wanga was joined in mourning by Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot, Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, and MPs Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Marwa Kitayama (Kuria East), and Fatuma Mohamed (Migori Woman Representative). The leaders gathered on Sunday at Ms Asiyo’s home in Wikondiek Village, Rachuonyo North, to pay their respects.
CS Wendot said her ministry remains committed to inclusion, justice and transformative leadership for women and girls. She praised the late Asiyo for initiating conversations around women’s leadership long before gender parity entered national discourse.
The patron of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Phoebe Asiyo.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
“She courageously elevated the voices of women from every region of Kenya and ensured that their perspectives were not excluded from national dialogue. She laid the foundation for institutional reforms that continue to inform our ministry’s agenda,” the CS said.
Ms Wendot added that Asiyo never ceased advocating for women’s inclusion in decision-making, believing that diverse perspectives lead to stronger democracies and more inclusive policies.
In honouring her memory, Maendeleo ya Wanawake has renewed its appeal to the government for financial support. The organisation, founded in 1952 by European women, was transformed under Ms Asiyo’s leadership into a pan-African movement after she joined in 1953 and became president in 1958.
National Chairperson Rahab Mwikali said the group has long functioned as a quasi-governmental agency, delivering government programmes at the grassroots. She noted that government support would enhance the group’s impact and sustainability.
“We used to receive support from the government, and we continue to deliver State projects. It’s only fair that we’re supported accordingly,” said Ms Mwikali.
The group, which met with President Ruto in May to discuss funding, is currently conducting a recruitment drive targeting younger women ahead of next year’s elections.
Governor Wanga urged the State to recognise Maendeleo ya Wanawake as the country’s only national women’s movement and to invest in its capacity to grow to continental prominence.
“There is no other national women’s organisation like Maendeleo. Let us work together to support it. I need to visit different regions and meet women I can connect with as members,” she said.
The late Phoebe Asiyo will be laid to rest on August 8, at her home in Kibiri Ward, Homa Bay County. Her body is currently in North Carolina, USA, where she passed away, and is expected to arrive in Kenya on August 4.
