Political rivals Ruto and Raila pay their respects to the late Phoebe Asiyo, their shared presence documented in photographs.
Former Kenyan Politician and Women's Rights Advocate Phoebe Asiyo Laid to Rest
Phoebe Asiyo, a trailblazing Kenyan politician and women's rights advocate, was laid to rest in her Wikondiek home in Homa Bay County this week. Asiyo, who passed away last month at the age of 93 while visiting the United States, was known for her advocacy for women's rights and served as the chair of Maendeleo ya Wanawake from 1958.
As a pioneering Kenyan politician, Asiyo was Kenya's first female Senior Superintendent of Prisons and the first African woman to chair Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, a national women's movement. She served two terms as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Karachuonyo (1979–1983 and 1992–1997), a time when women in elective office were very rare.
During her tenure, Asiyo used her platform to champion girls' education, gender equality, and women's rights. Her contributions to women's rights in Kenya are significant, as she was instrumental in pioneering advocacy for the two-thirds gender rule to ensure no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive bodies be of the same gender. She introduced Kenya's first affirmative action Bill in 1997, aiming for 33% female representation, which, though initially defeated, laid the foundation for later successes, including constitutional provisions on gender equality in the 2010 Constitution.
Asiyo also chaired the Caucus for Women Leadership, was a member of Parliamentarians for Global Action, served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Development Fund for Women, and participated in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. Her legacy as a trailblazer extends beyond politics into social reform, cultural leadership as the first woman elder in Kenya, and lifelong advocacy for empowerment and equality for women.
President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), several Members of Parliament, and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga were among the dignitaries in attendance at Asiyo's burial. Raila Odinga, who made a rare public appearance in weeks, was also present. President Ruto's visit to Homa Bay was related to the appointment of a team, led by Prof Makau Mutua, to develop a framework for compensating victims of protests and riots.
Asiyo's passing marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics and women's rights advocacy. Her life and work continue to serve as an inspiration for future generations of women leaders in Kenya and beyond.
Her political career spanned decades, with a tenure as the Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo and chair of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake, where she advocated for policies related to general-news, such as promoting gender equality, women's rights, and girls' education. Simultaneously, her impact in the business sector was notable as she was instrumental in introducing legislation that aimed to increase women's representation in leadership roles, marking a significant shift in the country's political and corporate landscape. As the news of her passing spread, politicians, business leaders, and advocates alike acknowledged the invaluable role that her politics, activism, and general-news contributions played in shaping the nation's future.
