KISUMU, Kenya July 20 –Teachers across Kenya have paid heartfelt tribute to the late Phoebe Asiyo, a pioneering educator, fearless politician, and champion for gender equality.
Asiyo, a former Rachuonyo Member of Parliament and one of the country’s earliest female teachers’ unionists, passed away recently in the United States.
Her body is yet to be repatriated to Kenya as the family finalises burial arrangements.
Speaking during a moving tribute, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akello Misori described Asiyo as a formidable woman who fought boldly against deeply entrenched male dominance in politics and society.
“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 the male chauvinism that dominated the political landscape,” Misori said.
“She didn’t wait for change—she became the change.”
Speaking to the Press in Kisumu, Misori used the occasion to urge Kenyan women, particularly those hesitant to join politics, to rise up and claim their democratic space just as Asiyo did decades ago.
“I call upon our women—young and old—not to shy away from leadership,” he said passionately with heartfelt tributes.
“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.” said Misori
He emphasised that the progress made in gender equality in Kenya owes much to bold pioneers like Asiyo, who, despite immense resistance and societal pressures, pushed forward with courage and conviction.
Misori also recalled it was Asiyo who prevailed upon him to step down for running for governor in the last general elections in favour of current governor Gladys Wanga to break male chauvinism and promote gender equity in higher echelons of administration.
” I honoured her legendary wisdom,” disclosed Misori.
In a deeply emotional moment, Misori also offered prayers for Asiyo’s family, asking God to grant them the strength and fortitude to endure this difficult loss.
“May the Almighty comfort her loved ones. We stand with the family and pray for peace in this time of mourning,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources close to the family have called for patience from mourners and the public as they work on logistical arrangements to transport Asiyo’s body back to Kenya for her final farewell.
The family has assured that funeral plans will be communicated in due course.
Asiyo’s legacy—both in the classroom and in Parliament—remains etched in the nation’s history.
Her contributions to the fight for gender parity, her boldness in leadership, and her enduring commitment to social justice continue to inspire a new generation of women leaders.
