Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has paid a solemn tribute to the late Phoebe Asiyo, whom she says was like a mother to her, owing to the closeness she had with the deceased politician.

Speaking during the burial of the veteran politician in Homa Bay County on Friday, August 8, 2025, Nyong’o disclosed the close familial ties that existed between his family and that of the departed politician.

He recounted how Asiyo affectionately called him by the name of his mother, terming it a profoundly emotional moment for him.

“Phoebe always referred to me as Wuod Dorca, the son of Dorcas, every time I met her. She was very close to my mother,” he said.

“It has been like that; in fact, yesterday, at Kisumu International Airport, I must apologise to Governor Wanga when I saw her in the coffin. I broke down, and I had to leave so as not to embarrass Governor Wanga. It is a very personal thing that I have come here to be with her family as we say goodbye to a great mother,” he said.

Nyongo further paid a heartfelt tribute to the legacy left behind by the trailblazing politician who died on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in North Carolina, USA.

“Phoebe’s mission in life was to fight for women’s rights, not just for women but Kenyans at large. She would not be the leader of Maendeleo of Wanawake for that long and a parliamentarian who stood firmly for change and human rights with protection of human people,” he opined.

Nyongo’s tribute adds to the litany of leaders who have extolled the legacy of the Homa Bay politician.

In a heartfelt statement about Asiyo on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the retired Chief Justice spoke highly of the impact of the fallen hero beyond the confines of politics.

Trailblazer

“She was not just an MP and one agitating for women’s rights. She was also a mentor and one who loved her work up to her death. She was humble, soft-spoken, but powerful,” he stated.

In what laid the foundation for many women politicians, Asiyo went on to be distinguished as the longest-serving woman MP in her time after serving two five-year terms between 1979 and 1997. Though the record has since been surpassed, it set the precedent for female pioneers in Kenyan politics.