Beacon of hope: Celebrating the life of Phoebe Muga Asiyo
By Veronica Maina, July 19, 2025We have received the news of the passing on of Hon. Dr. Phoebe Asiyo with great sadness. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this time of profound grief.
We pay tribute to a remarkable leader who dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights and affirmative action. Her legacy is ingrained in the countless lives she touched and empowered across Kenya.
She was a fierce advocate, tirelessly championing the cause of equality.
Many of the rights and opportunities women enjoy today are a direct result of her unwavering commitment and relentless efforts.
She understood that true progress requires concrete action and a dismantling of systemic barriers.
Her continuous advocacy for affirmative action was about levelling the playing field and ensuring that women had an equal chance to reach their full potential, unhindered by historical disadvantages.
She was indeed the matriarch of the two-thirds principle, which is enshrined in our Constitution 2010.
She holds a special place in history as one of the pioneer women leaders to be elected to Parliament, ably representing the people of Karachuonyo Constituency for more than one term.
This was not merely a personal achievement but a monumental breakthrough that shattered glass ceilings and inspired a generation.
Her presence in the halls of power sent a powerful message that women belonged in leadership, that their voices were essential and that their perspectives were invaluable to shaping the future of the nation.
She paved the way for countless women who followed, demonstrating that the political arena was not exclusively for men, but for anyone with the vision, courage and dedication to serve.
She also passionately championed the inclusion of women in leadership positions across all sectors of society.
She understood that true representation meant women’s voices being heard not just in homes, but in boardrooms, public offices and private spaces. Her tireless efforts significantly impacted Kenya’s political landscape.
She was also a brave voice for women’s reproductive rights at a time when it was taboo to speak about such matters.
She evoked a robust debate on the effects of Depo-Provera on the floor of Parliament way back in the 80’s.
In a society where these essential health issues were shrouded in silence and stigma, she courageously brought them into the open, advocating for women’s autonomy over their own bodies and health decisions.
This was an act of bravery and foresight, laying the groundwork for more open discussions and progress on critical aspects of women’s well-being in Kenya.
Her journey was undoubtedly fraught with challenges. She faced scepticism and resistance, yet she persevered with grace, resilience, and an unshakeable belief in her cause.
She was a beacon of hope, a symbol of strength and a testament to the power of one individual to ignite profound change.
The women leaders of today stand on her shoulders, benefiting immensely from the paths she painstakingly cleared.
Her unwavering fight for our rights and inclusion in every sphere of Kenyan life has empowered us to lead, serve and continue pushing for a more just and equitable society.
We are eternally grateful for her foresight, courage and relentless dedication. We remember her not just for her achievements, but for her spirit. For her courage to stand up against injustice, her empathy towards those marginalised and her unwavering commitment to building a more equitable society.
Her legacy will continue to inspire us to pick up the mantle, to continue the fight for gender equality and to ensure that every woman in Kenya has the opportunity to thrive. We are forever indebted to her vision, courage and enduring impact.
In her honour and to keep her legacy alive, we shall introduce a Constitution (Amendment) Bill in the Senate to propose provisions that will enable Parliament to conform to the two-thirds principle.
She was truly an uncontested pioneer in her fight for gender equality and gender equity. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Senator Veronica Maina, MP, is the chairperson – Kenya Women Senators Association