President William Ruto has announced plans to honor the late Phoebe Asiyo with national monuments in recognition of her contribution to the Republic of Kenya.
Speaking during the burial ceremony on Friday, August 8, President Ruto acknowledged Asiyo's impact on women's leadership and agreed to establish memorials in her honor.
"We can see the impact Mama Asiyo has made in women's leadership, not just here in Homabay but also the Republic of Kenya," Ruto stated. "She deserves her place as a national hero. I agree with the Prime Minister that her name needs to be put in a prominent place in History."
The President announced that Wikondiek Secondary School in Homa Bay will be renamed in Asiyo's honor following a request from local leadership.
"We will start with Homabay. Your MP has requested that we change the Wikondiek Secondary school to be renamed to Mama Asiyo Secondary school. And I have agreed," he said. "The other one, we will put it in Nairobi."
The decision follows a request by Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, who called for the government to immortalize Asiyo's legacy through monuments.
During the state funeral service, Raila praised Asiyo as one of Kenya's most dedicated champions of women's rights and public service. She noted her role in breaking political barriers when female representation was limited.
He commended President Ruto's government for according Asiyo the state funeral befitting a national hero and pressed for permanent recognition of her contributions.
"I'm happy today that the government of President Ruto has allowed Phoebe to have the kind of funeral she deserves as a hero. And I want Mr President to follow it up by dedicating a monument in Nairobi for Phoebe Asiyo because she has done what many have failed," Raila added.
Asiyo served as the Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo and was recognized for her work in gender equality, social reforms, and community development throughout her political career.
