Phoebe Asiyo: Ex-Karachuonyo MP and First Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Dies in US
- Former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo's death after years of public service sparked an emotional tribute from her family
- First elected to parliament in 1982, Asiyo held various positions as she advocated for women's rights, including championing the two-thirds gender rule
- Asiyo, who showed immense love for her family, also received honorary doctorates from international institutions and was decorated with the Order of the Grand Warrior
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The Asiyo family has announced the passing of veteran politician and women's rights champion Phoebe Muga Asiyo, who died peacefully in North Carolina, USA.
Source: UGC
In a heartfelt statement on Thursday, July 17, the family described Mama Asiyo as a 'matriarch, leader, and trailblazer—whose spirit, resilience, and compassion transformed countless lives in Kenya and far beyond.'
"With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares the profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo, who has peacefully passed away in North Carolina, USA. Her presence and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her," the family lead by Caesar O. Asiyo, said.
Who was Phoebe Asiyo?
Asiyo was a towering figure in Kenya’s political and social landscape, best remembered for her groundbreaking achievements in both public service and women’s leadership.
She was the first senior superintendent of Kenya Prisons, the first African chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, the first woman elder among the Luo, and the first UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador from Kenya.
She also served as a commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission and was elected Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo in 1982.
Throughout her illustrious career, she championed the rights of women and marginalised communities and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the two-thirds gender rule, now enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.
Source: Twitter
For her lifelong service, she received honorary doctorates from Lehigh and York Universities and was decorated with the Order of the Grand Warrior by the Government of Kenya.
“Mama Asiyo’s life was rooted in the strength of family,” her family said. “Even as her work took her onto the world stage, she never wavered in her devotion to those she loved, finding her deepest joy in motherhood and the unity of kin.”
Her presence, they said, 'illuminated every room—with wit, wisdom, and relentless advocacy for humanity.'
“Mama Asiyo’s memory dwells in every child whose tomorrow she defended, every woman whose voice she helped lift, and every family she touched with wisdom and love. We celebrate a life lived without boundaries—a life rooted in kindness, guided by justice, and dedicated to making the impossible possible,” the family added.
Her remains were taken to Apex Funeral Home.
Source: Twitter
Ex-MP Catherine Nyamato dies
Meanwhile, Asiyo's death came just hours after the passing of another trailblazing former nominated MP, Catherine Nyamato.
Nyamato, who was the first woman nominated to parliament under the KANU government during the late former president Daniel Moi's era, reportedly collapsed and died while engaging with youth.
Several leaders from the Gusii community and across Kenya, led by former chief justice David Maraga, paid emotional tributes in her honour, recalling her dedication to women's leadership and education.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
