Kisumu leaders pay glowing tribute to Asiyo’s legacy

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o joins women leaders to pay glowing tribute to Mama Asiyo/FAITH MATETE

Leaders and residents of Kisumu county gathered to pay tribute to deceased Mama Phoebe Asiyo, a trailblazer in women’s leadership, gender equality and public service whose legacy continues to inspire generations across Kenya.

 The event led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and attended by women leaders from across the county, was marked by heartfelt reflections on Asiyo’s remarkable life and her lifelong commitment to empowering women and uplifting communities.

 Governor Nyong’o hailed Asiyo as a national icon whose influence shaped Kenya’s political and social landscape.

 He described her as a fearless leader who championed girls’ education, supported people affected by HIV/AIDS, and helped build movements that elevated women’s voices.

 “Mama Phoebe Asiyo was the first Luo woman elder, an honour she earned for her extraordinary contributions to society. Alongside my late mother, Dorcas Nyong’o, she was instrumental in transforming Maendeleo ya Wanawake from a settler wives’ group into a true African women’s empowerment organisation,” Nyong’o said.

 He further called on women leaders to pick up the baton and continue Asiyo’s work, quoting from the Bible (Matthew 20:19–20) and urging them to spread the message of empowerment across every part of the country.

  “If you're a woman leader taking over from Asiyo, go to every region from Turkana to Maasai land and carry forward her mission,” he said during the event at the Mama Grace Onyango Cultural Centre.

 Dorothy Nyong’o, the governor’s wife, proposed the creation of a “Wall of Fame” at the Mama Grace Onyango Cultural Centre to honour men and women from Luo Nyanza who have made significant contributions to the community.

 “We must preserve the memory of our heroes and heroines. A visual honour wall would inspire future generations and ensure their contributions are never forgotten,” Dorothy said.

 Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga described Mama Asiyo as a selfless leader who opened political doors for women and made her networks available to lift others.

 “We will keep her flame burning until we achieve what she stood for— more women in Parliament, in county governments and in leadership across the nation,” she said.

 Ruth also urged women to rise beyond traditional domestic roles and take up active political positions, just like men do, without fear or hesitation.

 She noted that women must no longer shy away from leadership, emphasising that Mama Asiyo had to stand firm among men, and reminded the audience that women must now be ready to lead and prove that they too can govern effectively.

 She called on women already in leadership to mentor others and continue to demonstrate strong and inclusive governance.

 Civil society leader Betty Okero recalled the many barriers women in Nyanza once faced in seeking political office and credited Asiyo for dismantling them.

 Okero said Mama Asiyo made it possible for women to dream big and take up leadership roles.

 Family members, led by Caesar Asiyo, offered emotional tributes, reflecting on her global impact from advocating for women’s participation in United Nations forums to mentoring emerging leaders at home.

 The celebration brought together a wide cross-section of the community, including political leaders, activists and citizens all united in honouring a woman whose work changed lives and redefined leadership in Kenya.

 Mama Asiyo will be buried on Friday at her home in Wikondiek Village, Homa Bay County.

 Asiyo passed away on July 16, at the age of 90, in North Carolina, USA.