By Dr Ida Odinga

When I grow up, I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo

“I have known Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo when I was a little girl in secondary school and that time she was working with the Kenya prisons.

I first saw her when she was in the prison’s uniform, and she looked very smartly dressed and I told myself; I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Mama Asiyo when she was chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake,  and as young girls, we admired her work and how she was handling herself and we used to say when I grow up, I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Later on, when I joined University of Nairobi, Mama Asiyo presence in the national arena became our inspiration and I looked forward to meeting her one day in my life.

First Encounter with Mama Asiyo

In 1991 during the political agitation for the repeal of section 2a of the constitution and introduction of the multi-party politics, my father-in-law, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga walked to my office and asked me to inform Nyagoro that he wanted to see her.

That time, I had been sacked and reinstated by the government as a teacher, I used to work a lot with Jaramogi during that time.

I worked as the office manager and also doubled as Jaramogi assistant, so when he asked to get Nyagoro, I didn’t even know who Nyagoro was.

Jaramogi would tell you what he wants done and the rest was up to you to figure out and have it accomplished.

I went to Luke Obok and asked him, who is Nyagoro?

He smiled and calmly responded that is Mama Phoebe Asiyo, I didn’t have her contacts, and I didn’t know where she worked.

Luke volunteered to get me her telephone contact the following day.

By then, Mama Asiyo was running her ceramic business that made cups, plates and other products.

I called, introduced myself and politely requested her that Mzee wanted to meet her and if she could kindly find time to pass by.

Mama came, I received her, and we exchanged pleasantries before I ushered her in to meet Mzee.

From that moment, our friendship blossomed.

Karachuonyo Parliamentary Election of 1992

Mama Asiyo and I developed a friendship thereafter beyond the boundaries and during the Karachuonyo 1992, first multi-party elections, I accompanied her to the constituency several times.

We would traverse the constituency seeking for votes talking to women and men alike.

It was a fiercely contested election, high voltage but at the end we succeeded.

That moment was a shared experience for our common agenda for the girl child and the promotion of women in leadership and especially in the parliament.

Mama Asiyo opened the gates for women to be elected to the parliament and that is why Homa Bay county have several women elected to the parliament and governor positions.

The League of  Kenya Women Voters

When I founded the League of Kenya Women Voters, a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering women in the political sphere and promoting their participation in leadership roles.

I requested Mama Asiyo and Mama Jael Mbogo to be the Council members and gladly accepted.

We were able to tap from their knowledge, experience and social networks to be the voice for women, with a focus on training women for political office and the constitutional review process. 

Purpose:

The League’s core mission is to empower women to participate more effectively in Kenya’s political landscape, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes. 

• Activities:

They engage in various activities, including:

• Training: Preparing women for political office and the constitutional review process. 
• Advocacy: Taking positions on broad national issues, policies, and the political process as a whole. 
• Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of women’s political participation. 
• Lobbying: Working to influence policy and legislation that affects women. 
• Non-Partisan Approach:

While taking positions on critical issues, the League maintains a non-partisan stance. 

• Key Focus:

The organization is particularly concerned about the challenges faced by girls and women in Kenya and actively advocates for issues like sex education and addressing the root causes of early pregnancies. 

• Impact:

The League has played a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape, contributing to constitutional reforms and advocating for women’s representation in government. 

Through Mama Asiyo we were able to achieve the above objects and activities.

Making of Mama Asiyo as first woman member of Luo Council of Elders

I was concerned with the composition of the Luo Council of Elders, I kept asking myself, why can’t we have Mama Asiyo to represent us in the council.

I took it upon myself to approach the then Ker  Mzee Koyo Opien.

We had a discussion, and I requested him to consider having a woman and more specifically Mama Asiyo to be at the Council.

He obliged and that is how we installed Mama Asiyo as an elder.

A fete I am happy to have accomplished.

The meeting with President Barrack Obama

Mama Asiyo and I attended countless number of international meetings in the USA and other parts of the world.

We became lock and key.

She would tag me along and I would also do the same.

We became more like sisters and never left one another side.

When Barrack Obama was the senator, we were able to visit him and shared our dream, experiences.

And when he became the president, Mama Asiyo and I also visited him at the White House, some of the cherished moment, I shared with my elder sister, mentor, trainer and mother.

The Joka Odinga  

The late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga had soft spot for Nyar Agoro.

In 1982, when Jaramogi’s family faced a lot of problems with the government and he couldn’t go to campaign for Nyar Agoro during the general elections.

He went to the Kisumu bus stop and told people in the matatus heading to Hoam bay through  Karachuonyo, that when they arrive, to pass his greetings to Nya Agoro and Jo Karachuonyo. 

That is how he endorsed Nyar Agoro who won the seat against Kanu’s maestro the late David Okiki Amayo.

A mother  and a woman of dignity 

Mama Asiyo cherished her family above everything. 

She remained dedicated to her family and offered the best to the family.

She handled herself with dignity and remains a mentor to all women.

Mama Asiyo understood what it meant to be a mother and a wife and upheld the dignity of her family.

She often reminded women in politics that family was supreme and that they should uphold the dignity of their family and marriages.

By Correspondent

Renowned public speaker and mentor Nixon Nyadiero Sekoh had at one point developed a strained relationship between him and his Generation Z children.

After figuring out how to solve the matter of his deteriorated relationships in his own household, he decided to pen a book for everyone on how to understand a generation considered rebellious.

His book, ” The Gen Z Parent: From Confusion to Connection” offers fresh entry into ideas on how to connect to Generation Z, who are currently the talk of governance spaces, parenting and workspaces.

Nyadiero’s book stands out as a manual that will enable every parent to understand generational battles and issues that cripple the mindset of a young person.

He suggests three perspectives in handling the Generation Z; a candid focus on where the young people are coming from, where they are going and the world that they live in.

Despite the book solving bigger societal challenges that other generations have with Generation Z like in politics and governance, Nyadiero chooses to view solving the deterioration of relationship between Generation Z and the status quo through his writing on parenting.

“In light of the foregoing, most of us tend to learn the hard way insofar as parenting Gen Z and Gen Alpha is concerned.

Albeit gradually, we realize issuing marching orders often amounts to nothing but an exercise in futility,” Nyadiero notes in the book’s introduction.

The 10-chapter book is easy to navigate as it tackles each aspect of connection with Gen Zs with precision. For instance, in Chapter titled, ” Background Factor and a Parent’s Excesses,” Nyadiero recounts how his own parents passed away when he was 17 years old. He narrates the experience as excruciatingly painful and devastating.

To those who are married, Nyadiero cautions that a man’s relationship with his wife is crucial if he’s looking for a cordial relationship with his children.

“I lost some grounds in my relationship with my children every time I permitted them to witness any form of antagonism in the way I related with their mother,” admits Nyadiero.

The author’s love for mentorship is easy to note in his work.

When writing about networks and net worths, he encourages the younger generation to unrelentingly pursue their passion every time he talks with them.

He equally in such talks insists on the need to nurture their networks in pursuit of their dreams.

Perhaps his biggest and most significant chapter is about the art of listening that according to him is lacking in many people, including the government today.

He remembers the events of June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill that led to the torching of Parliament.

He narrates that there are hard lessons that parents, and those in power together, ought to learn from the episode.

” It is sad to own up to the fact that failure to listen to our children could easily plunge us into a worse situation than what we witnessed in June) July 2024.”

Nyadiero talks too about character, values and the age of technology.

He notes here that there is more to life than providing for your children and facilitating a comfortable lifestyle.

Ensuring all the needs of your children are met is commendable but this is not all there is in life.

Nyadiero also explores the subjects of drugs and substance abuse and dealing with addictions.

In the chapter that exhaustively deals with sex and sexuality, he comfortably confronts a topic most parents get shy to discuss with their youthful children.

He wonders how the society has reached a place where sex as a topic became a taboo that could not be canvassed between parents and children.

Because of the existence of a vacuum, Nyadiero reveals that children have been left to their own devices, often soliciting such information from very suspect sources.

Nyadiero unsurprisingly draws most of his lessons and observations from the Bible and his own real life experiences, hence making reading the book not only exciting but confounding and timely.

The writer’s decision to pen the book is not a surprise to people who have interacted with his mentorship passion that is grounded in strong belief of good morals.

He is the founding chairman of Africa’s Promise; an international NGO focused on empowering the youth.

He is a public speaker, mentor, and serves on the boards of multiple organizations.

The book is currently available at Amazon and Nuria Bookstore.

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

1. Member of parliamentarians of Global Action
2. Goodwill ambassador for united Nations Development Fund for Women of AFRICA
3. Commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC)
4. Delegate to the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
5. Consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
6. Chairperson of the Kenya National Council of Women.
7. Caucus for Women’s Leadership.

Honors and awards

1. Order of the Golden Warrior: 1st class chief of the burning spear.
2. Doctor of Humane Letters from Lehigh University
3. 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.

By Eng James Rege

Africa today stands at the doorstep of an unprecedented digital revolution, and you are perfectly positioned to lead it.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your generation’s gateway to creating sustainable job opportunities, driving innovation, and transforming lives across the continent. 

Here’s how you can leverage AI right now.

Immerse yourself in virtual sites such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX, or nearby tech hubs and universities teaching.

AI and machine learning.

Certifications not only give you the necessary skills but also increase your credibility for a global market that is craving for talent.

Identify everyday African challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, or finance, and design AI-driven solutions. 

Precision farming apps, AI-powered diagnostic healthcare tools, or personalized educational platforms can turn you into tomorrow’s entrepreneurial success stories.

There are no borders for AI.

Sell your skills to the rest of the world via freelance websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Your AI skills are demanded globally—exploit these websites to work from anywhere and draw globally competitive salaries.

Participate in or create local tech and AI communities, including Google Developer Groups, Zindi communities, or Data Science Africa. 

They are wonderful places where you can network, collaborate, learn, and expand your ideas with peers of similar interest.

Seek collaborations between your universities, governments, and private enterprise.

Collaborations can spread your reach, source funding, and provide access to mentorship from working professionals.

Explore open-source AI platforms like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Hugging Face.

Customize these tools to address unique African challenges, such as localizing language models or building predictive models for agriculture and health.

Join the active discussions on ethical issues of AI, data privacy, and policy development.

Your voice matters significantly to create responsible AI practices that are aligned with the values and priorities of your communities.

Share your journey and knowledge through blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media content.

Educating your peers not only elevates your personal brand but also inspires and equips others to join the AI revolution. 

Take advantage of international funding programs and startup grants that are geared towards early-stage AI innovators, such as Google’s AI Impact 

Challenge, Microsoft’s AI for Good, or AWS Activate.

Gen Z, your generation’s superpower is now AI—accept it, lead with it, and redefine Africa’s social and economic landscape.

Your continent’s jobs of the future are powered by AI, and that future starts now.

Eng Rege is an IT expert, Former Permanent Secretary Information and Technology and former MP for Karachuonyo.

By Billy Mijungu

The internet is no longer the ungoverned space it once was.

With the recent signing of the Cyber Crimes Bill into law, Kenya has entered a new era of accountability in the digital space.

The Cyber Crimes Act, now fully enforceable, brings with it a clear message: online behavior has real world consequences, and misuse of virtual freedom will attract jail sentences.

Under the new law, several digital offenses now carry heavy penalties, ranging from two years to life imprisonment.

Unauthorized access to another person’s phone or computer, for example, can land an offender in jail for five years.

Deleting, modifying, or interfering with someone’s data without permission carries a similar penalty.

The law goes even further to classify the mere possession or transmission of classified or critical information without proper authorization as a criminal offense punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

In an effort to curb the spread of falsehoods and maintain public order, the Act also criminalizes the publication of misleading or deceptive content, with offenders facing up to two years behind bars.

Recording private conversations, even when one is a participant, is also illegal and punishable by a two year sentence.

In a move to protect public officials and investigations, the Act prohibits the disclosure of police summons or official communication related to cybercrime investigations. Such disclosures attract a five year prison term.

The law also targets online harassment and character assassination.

It is now a crime to use vulgar, indecent, or humiliating language on digital platforms with the intent to shame or injure someone’s dignity.

Perhaps most seriously, the Act classifies online incitement of ethnic hatred or division as an act of domestic terrorism, an offense punishable by life imprisonment.

Bloggers who reigned in the absence of a legal framework now have a reason to worry.

What was once a free for all arena is rapidly becoming a governed space where facts, respect, and responsibility will rule.

The days of hiding behind fake usernames to launch attacks, share unverified information, and incite public unrest are numbered.

With this law in place, authorities now have the legal muscle to hold digital offenders to account.

Administrators of WhatsApp groups and other online forums are now under special obligation to moderate content and ensure their platforms are not being used to break the law. Group admins may be held accountable for illegal activities that take place under their watch if they fail to act or report appropriately.

The situation is further complicated by emerging concerns around artificial intelligence surveillance.

According to cybersecurity experts, even private chats and one on one messages on platforms like WhatsApp may be subject to AI monitoring unless users enable advanced privacy settings.

Digital users are therefore urged to exercise caution and responsibility in all online interactions.

The age of digital impunity is ending. Every tweet, text, post, and voice note now carries weight under the law.

What was once dismissed as harmless online banter could now carry the full force of the law, including years in prison.

Welcome to the era of digital hygiene. Kenya’s Cyber Crimes Act is a turning point.

It recognizes that while the internet offers freedom, that freedom is not limitless.

With stricter laws and improved enforcement, the country is taking a bold step to restore dignity, protect privacy, and promote respectful digital citizenship.

The message is clear: those who use cyberspace to harm others will face the law.