Kenya has been plunged into mourning after the death of Phoebe Muga Asiyo, the pioneer of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake movement.
Asiyo's passing was confirmed by her family in a statement, which revealed that the icon had passed away peacefully in her sleep while in North Carolina, U.S.
“With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares the profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo… Her presence and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the family statement read in part.
A bold advocate for women’s rights, Asiyo became a Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo in 1982, becoming one of the few women in Kenyan history to achieve such a feat at the time.
She is largely remembered as the original voice behind the push for gender equality laws, more specifically, the two-thirds gender principle, which was eventually incorporated into the 2010 constitution.
Long before women's rights went mainstream, Asiyo was already vocal in championing fair representation and the inclusion of women in leadership positions.
Her advocacy journey is intertwined with the oldest and most influential women's organisation, Maendeleo ya Wanawake, where she held key leadership roles in the group, which served as a platform for nurturing women leaders.
Through Maendeleo ya Wanawake, Asiyo used her growing influence in the group to lay the foundation for various women's movements in the country.
Away from Parliament, Asiyo served as Kenya’s representative to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and was heavily involved in international conversations around gender equality, peace, and development.
Because of her push for Kenyan women's rights, her voice carried the message across borders, further elevating Kenya's profile on issues affecting women.
In her twilight years, Asiyo was a key voice in national reconciliation and peace-building efforts, especially during and after Kenya’s political transitions, which have been tense in recent elections.
Among the first leaders to mourn Asiyo was Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, who described the late Asiyo as a beacon and 'mentor to many'.
"Mama Phoebe Asiyo was not just a leader; she was the steady hand that lifted others, the voice that spoke for the voiceless, and the unwavering spirit that refused to accept injustice," Governor Wanga stated.
