BONDO, Siaya, 28th December -The protection and economic empowerment of widows and orphans must be treated as a national priority if Kenya is to achieve social cohesion and sustainable development, Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has said.
Dr Omollo made the remarks on Sunday at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo during a large-scale widows’ empowerment and fundraising forum that drew leaders, local residents and more than 5,000 widows from different parts of the region.
The event focused on addressing social, legal and economic challenges facing widows, many of whom struggle to provide for their families after the loss of their spouses.
The PS said widowhood often comes with sudden economic pressure, discrimination and loss of property, leaving many women vulnerable and dependent.
He emphasised that these challenges cannot be addressed through charity alone, but require well-structured government policies backed by enforcement.
“Widows go through very difficult moments after losing their husbands, and as a government we must deliberately design policies that protect them and give them a dignified life,” Dr Omollo said.
He expressed concern that in many communities, widows are subjected to exploitation by close relatives, especially in-laws who unlawfully take over land, homes and other assets intended to support the widow and her children.
Such practices, he noted, deepen poverty and deny families their right to stability.
Dr Omollo said securing land rights through proper legal documentation, including title deeds, is a key step in safeguarding widows from property grabbing.
He stressed that land ownership not only provides economic security but also restores dignity and independence.
“We must ensure widows are issued with title deeds so that land left to them is protected and cannot be grabbed; this is not just about land, it is about justice and dignity,” he said.
In addition to land reforms, the PS called for affirmative action policies to ensure widows are included in government employment opportunities, public procurement and access to state-supported economic programs.
He said empowering widows financially would reduce dependency and enable them to raise their children in stable environments.
“When you support a widow, you automatically take care of the orphans because a stable mother means a stable home,” he added.
The event included a major fundraising drive aimed at improving the living conditions of more than 5,000 widows, many of whom currently live in temporary or poorly constructed houses.
Through partnerships between community groups and government-backed initiatives, several widows in the region have already moved into safer and more decent homes.
ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga, who attended the gathering, commended the empowerment initiative and urged the Luo community to rally behind leaders and programs that prioritise social welfare and inclusion.
He also called for unity and political maturity as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.
Dr Omollo further urged residents of Luo Nyanza to support the broad-based government, saying inclusive leadership and cooperation are essential in addressing long-standing social and economic challenges.
In recent months, he has received praise across the country, particularly in the region, for consistently advocating for the rights of widows and orphans.
Community leaders and beneficiaries say his efforts have renewed hope among families that had long felt overlooked.
