By Kennedy Nalyanya
It’s a story of a life defined by firsts, a story that culminated in another historic moment: Phoebe Asiyo became the first Kenyan woman to receive a state funeral.
Fondly known as "Mama Asiyo," she was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political landscape and the fight for gender equality. Born Phoebe Muga Asiyo on September 12, 1932, she was a fierce advocate for girls' education and women's rights from a young age. Her journey began at Gendia Primary school and Kamagambo high school before she attended Kangaru Teachers College.
Asiyo's career was a series of groundbreaking achievements. In 1953, she joined the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake organization, eventually becoming its president in 1958. During her tenure, she championed economic empowerment for African women, improved healthcare, and greater involvement in government. Her commitment to public service led her to become the first African Woman Senior Superintendent of Women's Prison in 1963.
Her political career was equally impactful. She served two terms as a member of the Kenyan parliament, from 1980 to 1983 and again from 1992 to 1997. She also served as an ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) from 1988 to 1992. In 2001, she was a Commissioner of the Constitution Review Committee.
Her advocacy for women's rights and gender equality earned her the distinction of being the first woman to be elevated to the position of Luo elder. Phoebe Asiyo's memoir, "It is Possible," published in 2018, stands as a testament to her remarkable life and unwavering spirit. She passed away on July 16, 2025, in North Carolina, U.S., at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
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