Honouring a trailblazer: Phoebe Asiyo’s burial slated for August 8 in Homa Bay

Plans for the burial of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo have been made public, with her body expected to arrive in the country on August 4, 2025, from the United States, where she died.

Her family has outlined a week-long schedule of memorial events in Nairobi and Homa Bay County as the country prepares to honour one of its most iconic female leaders.

In a statement issued by her son Caesar Asiyo, who serves at Victory Fish Farm, the family said the body will be received in Nairobi on Sunday, August 4.

The following day, Tuesday, August 5, the body will lie at Lee Funeral Home for public viewing before a fundraising ceremony is held at Maxwell Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nairobi.

A memorial church service will take place on Wednesday, August 6, at the same venue.

“On Thursday, August 7, the body will be flown from Nairobi to Kisumu International Airport, and then transported to Wikondiek village. The final funeral service and burial will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at her family home in Wikondiek,” said Asiyo.

Asiyo, who passed away recently in the US, is remembered as a pioneer in Kenya’s political and social transformation, especially in pushing for women’s participation in leadership. She began her career as a teacher and rose to national prominence as a bold and principled advocate for gender equality and social justice.

Her death has continued to draw tributes from various quarters, with many describing her as a fearless figure who shaped the conversation around women’s rights in Kenya.

President Ruto described Asiyo as a bold and courageous leader who championed the inclusion of women in politics and leadership throughout her lifetime.

“Her voice was instrumental in advancing the inclusion of women in politics and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations,” the Head of State said.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga paid tribute to Asiyo’s groundbreaking role in Kenya’s political history, calling her a trailblazer whose efforts paved the way for generations of women leaders.

“We acknowledge and celebrate her daring attitude that saw her enter into the then male-dominated electoral politics and not only won but floored and giant,” Odinga stated.

Chief Justice Martha Koome remembered Asiyo as one of Kenya’s most distinguished daughters, noting her many historic achievements and remarkable contributions to public service.

“Her bold leadership, both nationally and at the grassroots, transformed the lives of many, and her mentorship inspired generations of women, including myself, to rise to leadership,” the Chief Justice said.

Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akello Misori praised her courage and determination, saying she helped dismantle the gender biases that dominated politics and education.

Speaking in Kisumu on July 21, he said, “Phoebe Asiyo was not just a leader, she was a force.”

“In her formative years, she defied the odds, shattered barriers, and stood up to male chauvinism that dominated the political landscape. She didn’t wait for change—she became the change,” he added.

Misori called on Kenyan women to draw inspiration from Asiyo’s life and legacy, urging them to pursue leadership without fear.

“I call upon our women, young and old, not to shy away from leadership. Let the story of Phoebe Asiyo be your guiding light. Step forward. Contest. Lead. Break the barriers, just like she did. Politics is not a man’s game; it is everyone’s right and duty,” he said.

He further noted that many of the gains Kenya has made in gender equality were made possible by leaders like Asiyo, who paved the way, often at great personal cost. “May the Almighty comfort her loved ones,” he said.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation chairperson Rahab Muiu also paid tribute, describing Asiyo as a “distinguished stateswoman, a trailblazer, a matriarch, and an unwavering champion for the rights and dignity of women in Kenya.”

“Mama Phoebe was many things to many people. She has been celebrated across the nation and on our social media platforms, and rightfully so. Today, we pause to remember her as a pioneer of the women’s empowerment journey; a fearless voice that spoke when others remained silent, and a towering figure whose leadership helped shape the course of women’s participation in public life,” Muiu said.

She added that Asiyo’s firm belief in the power of women’s leadership was evident in everything she did.

“Mama believed deeply in women’s leadership. Her life was a testimony to that belief. She sacrificed, she persisted, and she dared to dream of a time when women would sit at decision-making tables, not as guests, but as equals.”

Muiu recalled one of the most significant acts of Asiyo’s career, leading a group of women to Kapenguria to meet Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s founding father.

“This was no ordinary visit; it was an act of bold negotiation at a time when women’s voices were barely acknowledged. Because of her courage, the seeds of affirmative action were sown. Today, we enjoy the fruits of that labour through the increased presence of women in leadership and governance.”