Orengo mourns Asiyo as a trailblazer in championing women’s affairs in Kenya
By Arnold Ngure, August 8, 2025Siaya Governor James Orengo has mourned the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo as a trailblazer in championing women’s rights in the country.
Speaking during Asiyo’s interment at her Wikondiek home in Karachuonyo on Friday, August 8, 2025, Orengo hailed the fallen leader as having been ahead of her time during her active years.
“In terms of Human rights, Phoebe Asiyo was ahead of her time. She started that struggle before independence and continued with it. I am one of the few people who were privileged to have served with Phoebe Asiyo in Parliament,” Orengo said.
Male-dominated politics
He recounted that Asiyo was elected to Parliament at a time when politics was male-dominated and the space for women leaders was constricted.
“When Asiyo was elected to Parliament, it was a very difficult time for women leaders to be in Parliament. I know now Homa Bay has taken the lead, and we have more women elected than anywhere else; and this is a great testimony to Phoebe Asiyo,” Orengo observed.
“During her time, there were very many male charlatans, chauvinists, and misogynists. I thank the state for honouring her and giving her a wonderful sendoff. “
Weeks of absence
Orengo made the remarks on Friday, August 8, 2025, marking his first public appearance in several weeks.
His absence from office was made worse by his differences with his deputy governor, William Oduol, who has been barred from accessing his office in Siaya since 2023.
At the height of the speculations on Orengo’s whereabouts on Monday, August 4, 2025, Siaya County Assembly speaker George Okode was compelled to issue a statement after reports circulated on social media that the governor had resigned from office to focus on his health.
In his statement, Okode said that Orengo would soon make his way back to the office to put an end to the weeks of speculation on his health and whereabouts.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony of the late former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo at her Wikondiek home in Homa Bay County, Orengo said that he is full of health, and that he is going nowhere.
“I am Orengo, Nyatieng’(spider), kidi (rock); I am alive and kicking. In fact, I have come back better than before,” Orengo said.