Rarieda Member of Parliament, Dr. Hon. Otiende Amolo, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of widowed persons through robust legislative and policy interventions.
Speaking during a High-Level Consultative Forum on the Rights of Widowed Persons held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Dr. Amolo described the opportunity to address the forum as both “an honour and a humbling experience.”
He presented insights on the current legislative and policy landscape affecting widows and widowers, calling for a more inclusive and equitable legal framework.“Widowed persons, particularly women, continue to face systemic discrimination, economic hardship, and social exclusion,” Dr. Amolo said. “It is imperative that we enact laws and policies that not only protect but also empower this vulnerable group.”
The high-profile forum convened key stakeholders, including the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen Cheptumo, and the Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Hon. Joyce Jaldesa.
Civil society representatives and legal experts were also in attendance, underlining the forum’s cross-sectoral approach to addressing the plight of widowed individuals.
Dr. Amolo emphasized the urgency of implementing comprehensive legal protections and establishing social safety nets that prioritize widowed persons’ rights.
He noted that the current legal framework does not adequately address the unique challenges faced by widows and widowers, particularly in inheritance rights, property ownership, and access to justice.
The consultative forum is seen as a critical step toward reforming outdated laws and advancing a coordinated national strategy to support widowed persons. It also aims to raise public awareness and foster collaborative efforts between government agencies, legislators, and advocacy groups.
As discussions continue, Dr. Amolo pledged to spearhead parliamentary initiatives that will translate recommendations from the forum into actionable legal and policy reforms, ensuring that the dignity and rights of widowed persons are protected and upheld across Kenya.
