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Kwale widows appeal for special kitty for their upkeep

Some of the widows from Msambweni on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | 31 Mar 2024

The widows decry exploitation saying they are deprived of inheritance once their husbands die.

Widows from Kwale County have called on the county and national government to set up widow's funds to improve their economic status.

The widows, some of whom lost their husbands through extrajudicial killings said life has been tough for them since they lost their husbands who were the sole breadwinners.

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The widows said they lack resources to cater to their daily needs.

Speaking during their monthly meeting at Vigujini in Msambweni on Saturday, Fatuma Mwajambia said a widows' fund should be set up to empower widows economically through entrepreneurship ventures.

"Most of the widows in this area lack resources to cater for their daily needs as a result they end up being taken advantage of. With government support, these women will be able to set up small businesses that will enable them to support themselves and their children," said Mwajambia.

She said most widows end up being thrown out of their family houses immediately after their husbands pass away leaving them with the burden of raising children alone.

Exploitation

She said widows suffer exploitation and are deprived of inheritance once their husbands die.

Fatuma Mwajambia (third from right with niqab) at her home in Vigujini with other widows. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

"Widows are going through hell in the hands of their in-laws; who fight them and claim ownership of their land and property, we need to raise an alarm against increasing attacks of widows," she said.

Mwajambia added that some of the widows are denied justice because of illiteracy.

"It was tough for me, I was in pain after I lost my husband and at the same time, I endured mistreatment from my in-laws. I have a child living with a disability but did not know where to get help after his father's death," said Faida Ali who lost her husband in 2017 after a gang armed with machetes slashed him to death.

She claimed her husband's family denied her important documents such as his death certificate and marriage certificate.

Another widow, Bintihamisi Wendo, has been forced to raise two children alone after she lost her husband.

"He had gone to the Middle East to search for employment but he never returned. Immediately his family heard of his death they took everything that belonged to their son and left me with nothing," she said.