The Plight of Widows in Kenya: A legacy of Struggles For Inheritance Rights
Imagine losing your husband, then having to lose the rights to the properties that you built together..In the recent past, there has been a rise in the case of mistreatment of the
widows in Kenya. Many women have suffered and are even left homeless at the demise of their husbands. These women, already grappling with the immense loss of their
spouses, are further subjected to societal bias, discriminatory practices, and economic vulnerabilities. One of these cases is the situation of Peter Luya, a change leader with Nguvu Collective who at only a tender age of 10, witnessed his mother being cursed, accused of witchcraft,
and stripped of access to her home, properties and children after the death of his father.This is a classic example of the harsh realities that is the life of countless widows after
the loss of their spouses.In many instances, widows find themselves ostracized, accused of witchcraft, and
stripped of their rightful inheritance. This leads to a cascade of negative consequences,often leaving them homeless, destitute, and bereft of access to their own children. The
deep-seated cultural and patriarchal norms exacerbate these challenges, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and suffering.
The challenges that widows in Kenya confront are numerous and multifaceted. A critical issue is the lack of awareness and enforcement of existing laws that protect their inheritance rights. While legal frameworks exist to safeguard widows’ rights, their implementation remains inconsistent and weak. This legal gap is further compounded by traditional practices that often override formal laws. Women are frequently excluded from decision-making processes that pertain to property and inheritance matters, leaving them at the mercy of biased rulings.Economic vulnerability is another pressing concern. Without a fair share of their spouses’ assets, widows are pushed into poverty and dependency. In a society where
gender inequality is still rampant, the economic disparity widows face leaves them susceptible to exploitation and further mistreatment. Lack of financial independence
restricts their ability to secure basic necessities such as shelter, education, and healthcare for themselves and their children.
The dire situation faced by widows demands comprehensive and swift action. A multi-pronged approach is essential to address the various dimensions of this issue and
bring about lasting change.There is an urgent need to Strengthening and robustly implementing existing laws is
paramount. Advocacy efforts should focus on raising awareness about these legal provisions and pushing for their consistent enforcement. The government and legal
institutions must prioritize the rights of widows, ensuring they are well-informed about their entitlements and providing accessible avenues for seeking justice.Educational initiatives targeting both rural and urban communities are crucial to
challenging harmful cultural norms. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of gender equality and debunk myths surrounding widows and inheritance. By engaging
with communities at the grassroots level, we can promote a broader shift in attitudes and perspectives.The county government needs to work closely with both national and local organizations and microfinance to create opportunities for widows to acquire skills, access credit, and gain financial independence. Programs that offer vocational training and support in establishing small businesses can help widows regain agency over their lives and build sustainable livelihoods.
The widows should be encouraged to establish support groups and networks for widows to provide a safe space for sharing experiences and finding solidarity. These platforms
can also serve as a means to disseminate information, offer emotional support, and foster a sense of community empowerment.To catalyze the transformation needed to protect widows’ rights to inheritance in Kenya,
it is imperative that key stakeholders take decisive action. For instance, in the memory of my mother, I have started a petition on the change.org platform calling for strengthening and robust implementation of the existing laws to protect widows rights to inheritance in Kenya.In my petition I am appealing for collaboration between civil society organizations, legal
experts, and gender advocates and the intensification of the efforts to review and amend existing policies and laws to ensure they are aligned with international human rights
standards as this will result in comprehensive and progressive policies that address the unique challenges faced by widows.
Simultaneously, there is an urgent need for the Chairperson of the Council of Governors to engage with county leaders to ensure uniformity in the application of inheritance laws
and practices across all counties. By incorporating gender-sensitive perspectives into county-level policies and programs, widows’ rights can be better safeguarded and
promoted.In conclusion, the mistreatment of widows in Kenya is an urgent issue that demands a united effort from all sectors of society. My family story serves as a poignant reminder of the injustices that prevail, but also as an inspiration for change. By taking collective action, we can rewrite the narrative for widows across the nation, empowering them to reclaim their rightful place in society and securing a more just and equitable future for all.My shoutout goes to the women representative for Tranzoia Hon. Lilian Siyoi Chebet for her relentless efforts to stand up for widows in her county. I call on all women representatives in parliament to emulate, for they carry with them immense hope for
thousands if not millions of widows in Kenya.
By Peter Luya
A change Leader
Nguvu Collective
Petition:
https://www.change.org/StandUpForWidowsPetition
