By Anderson Ojwang
Kenya’s Matriarch and Freedom Fighter, Mama Pheobe Muga Asiyo is dead.
In a communique from the family read “With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon Mama 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.
We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate that difficult time.
Details regarding the memorial services and funeral arrangements will be communicated soon.”
Mama Asiyo was born in September 12, 1932, former MP for Karachuonyo, Founder member of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), mother, and grandmother.
She was UNIFEM’s ambassador from 1988 to 1992.
She joined the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization in 1953 and was elected president of the same in 1958.
She was the first woman elevated to the position of Luo elder for her efforts to promote education for girls, women’s rights, and gender equality in Kenya.
Fondly called Mama Asiyo, she has dedicated her life to improving the political arena in Kenya, the role of women and girls, and those affected by HIV/Aids epidemic.
Notable memberships
- Member of parliamentarians of Global Action
- Goodwill ambassador for united Nations Development Fund for Women of AFRICA
- Commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC)
- Delegate to the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
- Consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
- Chairperson of the Kenya National Council of Women.
- Caucus for Women’s Leadership.
Honors and awards
- Order of the Golden Warrior: 1st class chief of the burning spear.
- Doctor of Humane Letters from Lehigh University
- Honorary Doctorate Law Degree from the University of York (2002
Tributes for Mama Asiyo have started flowing with leaders describing her as an icon of hope, mentor, selfless and a loving mother.
Former Karachuonyo MP Eng James Rege, said the death of the matriarch was shocking and a big blow not only to the people of Karachuonyo but nationally and globally.
“Mama was a great family friend to the Rege family.
She was my mentor and inspiration when I was the MP and after.
We shared a lot, and we pray God to give rest her in peace,” he said.
Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o wrote “Deepest Condolences to the Asiyo Family.
It is with profound shock and disbelief that Dorothy and I received the sad news of the passing on of Mama Phoebe Asiyo.
Mama Phoebe was a constant source of inspiration and a trusted advisor to both of us.
Her immense contributions to Kenya’s politics and development are etched into our nation’s history and will undoubtedly be recounted to future generations.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Caesar and all members of the Asiyo family.
Please know that we stand in solidarity with you during this incredibly difficult time.
May God bring comfort to Mama Phoebe as she rests in eternal peace.
Internal Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo wrote” We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the people of Karachuonyo following the passing of an incredible trailblazer, Mama Phoebe Asiyo.
Mama Asiyo broke barriers at a time when few dared to speak, paving the way for generations of women leaders in Kenya and beyond.
Her wisdom, grace and unyielding commitment to equity will forever be etched in our collective memory. Rest in peace, Nyar Agoro.”
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga wrote “Nyar nam ma ratego.
My heart is heavy as we mourn the loss of a beacon, a mentor to many, a trailblazer whose light guided so many of us.
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.
Today, Kenya has lost a matriarch.
To her family, my deepest sympathies.
To Homa Bay County, the institutions she served, and the countless lives she touched, I share in your grief.
We have not just lost a leader we have lost a mother, a teacher, a defender of what is right.
Her life was a testament to courage.
As the first African chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, as Karachuonyo’s MP, as a champion for women’s rights at UNIFEM, Mama Phoebe didn’t just break barriers – she dismantled them so others could follow.
The Order of the Golden Warrior and Chief of the Burning Spear were not mere honors – they were acknowledgements of a life lived in service.
Yet beyond titles, she was Nyar nam ma ratego – a woman of the people and a dear daughter of the Lake.
Her wisdom was a gift, her strength an inspiration, and her absence now leaves a silence that echoes.
May her family find comfort in knowing her legacy lives on in every woman who stands taller because of her, in every voice that speaks louder because she taught us how.
Sleep well, Mama.
Your fire burns on in all you’ve left behind”.
Members of Lakeland Development Community also sent her condolences and said her demise was a big blow to the group and the community.
