Who was Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo?

Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo. /HANDOUT

Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo was a trailblazing Kenyan leader whose life embodied resilience, compassion, and transformative service to humanity.

Born on September 12, 1932, Mama Phoebe began her education at Gemba Primary School before proceeding to Kamagambo High School in the current Migori county.

She later trained as a teacher at Kangaru Teachers College in Embu, setting the stage for a lifetime of public service.

Mama Phoebe passed away on July 16 in North Carolina, USA. She was 92.

Her commitment to social justice emerged early when she joined the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation in 1953, later becoming its first African chairperson in 1958.

During her leadership, she championed women’s economic empowerment, promoted maternal health and nutrition, and advocated for women's inclusion in political leadership and governance.

She was instrumental in encouraging women to embrace small-scale businesses and modern farming methods.

Mama Asiyo made history in 1963, on the eve of Kenya’s independence, by becoming the first African woman Senior Superintendent of Prisons, heading the women’s prisons in Kenya.

She also became the first Luo woman Elder—a culturally significant role traditionally reserved for men, earning respect and recognition within her community and beyond.

She was later appointed as the first Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), serving from 1988 to 1992.

Her political journey was equally remarkable.

In 1980, she was elected Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo in the current Homa Bay county, a position she held until 1983.

She survived several assassination attempts due to her unwavering stand on nationalism and democratic ideals.

As one of the longest-serving female parliamentarians of her time, Mama Asiyo used her platform to champion gender equality.

In 1997, she introduced a landmark affirmative action motion in Parliament advocating for 30 per cent representation of women in political parties and additional parliamentary seats dedicated to women.

While the motion was defeated, it laid the groundwork for future progress, including the formation of the Kenya Women Political Caucus and deeper involvement of women in Kenya’s constitutional reforms.

In 2001, she was appointed a Commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC), where she continued to shape national policy.

Her influence extended beyond Kenya; she was part of the Kenyan delegation to Uganda, lobbying for women’s participation in peace talks.

Mama Phoebe was widely celebrated for her service to the nation.

She was honoured with the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) and later the prestigious Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) by the government.

She also received honorary doctorates from Lehigh and York Universities and was awarded a state commendation in 2018 in recognition of her enduring contributions to society.

Throughout her life, Mama Phoebe remained deeply grounded in family.

She was a devoted wife to the late Richard Asiyo for over 65 years, a loving mother, sister, and daughter, who always drew strength from her family even as she worked on the global stage.

Her legacy of love, justice, and leadership is beautifully captured in her memoir, It Is Possible, which continues to inspire generations.

Mama Asiyo’s memory endures in the countless lives she touched—every child whose future she defended, every woman whose voice she amplified, and every community uplifted by her tireless efforts.

Her life’s journey reflected an unwavering belief in service, justice, and the power of women to lead change.

"As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life lived without boundaries—a life rooted in kindness, guided by justice, and dedicated to making the impossible possible," her family said.