By Anderson Ojwang
Former United States Of America (USA) President Barrack Obama has eulogized Kenya’s Matriach and freedom fighter the late Mama Phoebe Asiyo as an exceptional woman and a true advocate for her people .
In a signed statement dated July 23rd 2025, by the former President to the family , Obama wrote ” To the Family of Mama Phoebe Asiyo:
I am saddened by the news of the passing of Mama Phoebe.
She was an exceptional woman and a true advocate for her people.
Her political career was defined by service and integrity, and she constantly strived for development and growth.
Long before I joined the political arena, I spent time with Mama Phoebe and learnt from her not only my own father’s history but also Kenyan political history and culture .
I am grateful for all the support Mama Phoebe gave my sister, Auma, in the development of the Sauti Kuku Foundation.
So rest in peace Mama Phoebe. You will be missed but not forgotten “
During Obama’s presidential quest and demand to know about his lineage and father’ s background at Maseno school, Mama Phoebe and Auma visited the institution and had a discussion with the then principal, the late Paul Agali Otula .
After the government gave a green light to the activists and media from the USA that the school administration to provide confidential information about Barrack Obama senior , Otula declined a press interview and provision of the information that were needed by the USA media crew.
Recently Mama Ida Odinga told Western Insight that she and Mama Phoebe Asiyo visited Obama when he was elected senator and later when he became the president .
Mama Phoebe will be accorded State funeral in recognition to her contribution to the rights of women and girls in the country.
