Former Chief Justice David Maraga has hailed the late Phoebe Asiyo for her unique courage to seek an elective position when women shied away from taking up the challenge.

Speaking during the memorial service of the fallen woman in Homa Bay County, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Maraga recognised the former Karachuonyo MP’s legacy as a trailblazing moment for women leaders.

“Asiyo was an icon, a trailblazer, and a legend of our time. While we are struggling in Kenya to meet the two-thirds gender balance, in the 1980s, she did not wait for others; she contested a very hotly contested election and went on to be elected an MP,” he recounted.

The retired Chief Justice further extolled the impact of the fallen leader beyond the confines of politics.

“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.

He concluded by consoling Asiyo’s family members, urging them to draw consolation and solace from the former MP’s rich legacy.

“To the family, I know you will miss her, but let all these tributes to her be consolation for you all,” he added.

Maraga’s sentiments of the fallen hero come after Members of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, paid glowing tributes to their former colleagues Phoebe Asiyo and Catherine Moraa Nyamato.

The latter became the first woman in the greater Gusii region to be nominated to Parliament by the late President Daniel Moi, who died on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. 

Led by speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the session held a sombre reflection on the legacy of the erstwhile MPs, who were hailed as trailblazers and mentors to the many legislators now serving the 13th parliament. 

Others who paid their tributes included MPs Zam Zam Mohameed, Suba North’s Milly Mabona, and Homa Bay women representative Joyce Atieno Bensuda; West Migirango’s Stephen Mogaka; and Gilgil’s Martha Wangari.

Asiyo’s passing was broken by her family on Thursday, July 17, 2025. According to her kins, she passed away peacefully in her sleep while in North Carolina, USA.

“With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares the profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon. Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo, who has peacefully passed away in North Carolina, USA. Her presence and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the statement read in part.