A group of widows in Kisumu County have come out strongly against widow inheritance which is a common norm in the Luo tradition.
The women mostly from Catholic Church under the name of St. Monica Widows, have beaten all traditional odds to stay away from the culture of being inherited after their husbands died.
Group’s Chairlady Lynet Gwendo said they had faced numerous challenges from community members whom severally rebuked them saying they are a ‘dangerous’ lot.
“Most of us have been shunned by our own family members because we refused to allow such traditional ritual to be conducted to us,” said the Chairlady.
The women who were speaking in Chiga, when nominated Senator Joy Gwendo paid them a courtesy call ahead of Christmas festivities, said they have dedicated their lives to God instead of following such traditions.
Senator Gwendo who brought the women Christmas gifts said the culture was taking the community backwards adding that widows should not be forced to face such inheritance.
”I will initiate several projects for the women to enable them cater for their economic needs given that most of them have been shunned by even their own community members,” said Gwendo.
Gwendo committed that she will always support such groups to enable them achieve their dreams adding that the community should not neglect or discriminate women who have shunned widow inheritance.