Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged President William Ruto to immortalize the late Phoebe Asiyo with a monument in Nairobi, describing her as one of Kenya’s most committed champions of women’s rights and public service.

Speaking during Asiyo’s state funeral on Friday, August 8, 2025, Raila hailed the former Karachuonyo MP as a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the nation’s political and social landscape.

Asiyo, who died on July 17, 2025, was among Kenya’s first elected female Members of Parliament and played a central role in advancing gender equality, pushing social reforms, and championing community development.

“She fought for the rights of Kenyans. Also, when she was a Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo, she was one of the people who consoled me when my father died,” Raila recalled.

He added that he was pleased the government had accorded her the hero’s send-off she deserved but called on President Ruto to go further by commissioning a monument in her honor. “She has done what many have failed to do,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Ruto backed up the move by accepting the monument to be built in Nairobi.

“We will start with a monument here in Homa Bay to recognize Mama Phoebe Asiyo’s immense contribution. Later, we will also put up another monument in Nairobi so that the rest of the country and the world can honor her legacy,” he said.

The funeral, attended by national leaders, clergy, and hundreds of mourners, reflected the cross-generational influence of Asiyo’s leadership. President Ruto, who had earlier directed the state to accord her an official funeral, sent a high-level government delegation to represent him at the ceremony.

In Karachuonyo, residents spoke warmly of Asiyo’s long-standing involvement in grassroots projects, from building schools and health facilities to mentoring young leaders. Many described her as a unifier who bridged ethnic and political divides in pursuit of national progress.

Raila’s appeal for a monument resonated with sentiments shared by other leaders and rights advocates, who argued that Asiyo’s contributions transcended her constituency and deserved recognition at the national level. If honored with such a public monument, she would join a select group of Kenyan political figures memorialized for their service to the country.

Advocates believe such a tribute would inspire the next generation of women leaders to emulate her courage, resilience, and commitment to justice. Phoebe Asiyo is remembered not only as a pioneering lawmaker but also as a symbol of integrity, empathy, and unwavering dedication to public service a legacy, Raila said, that must remain “alive in the heart of the nation.”