Siaya County, Kenya – In Siaya County, and other areas of Kenya, some widows are facing a difficult situation, being threatened with losing their homes and land after the death of their husbands. This is due to cultural practices that, while traditional, can violate the rights of these women.
Rebecca Anyango, a 70-year-old widow, is one such woman. After living in her home for 26 years, she faces a lawsuit from her late husband’s family, who argue she has no right to inherit.
These practices often occur in rural communities where women have limited knowledge of their legal rights. Some traditions even include practices like “sexual cleansing” or “wife inheritance,” where a widow is forced to marry her late husband’s brother.
However, there is hope for change. The Siaya County assembly recently passed a Widows Protection Bill, which, if approved, would make it a crime to force a widow from her home or into unwanted marriage. This bill aims to protect the rights of widows, ensuring they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Other women are also fighting back. Some are seeking legal training to defend their rights in court, while others are encouraging people to write wills to avoid disputes after death. One woman, Marie Owino, used her knowledge of the law and financial independence to ensure her in-laws respected her rights after her husband passed.
These cases highlight the importance of upholding individual property rights and protecting the vulnerable within our communities. While respecting cultural traditions is important, these traditions should not violate the basic rights of individuals, especially widows who have already experienced great loss.
