Homa Bay, Deputy County Commissioner Samson Akach has advised widows of Suba West Sub-County to be cautious and avoid men solely interested in sex and wealth as their inheritors.
He also said men seeking to inherit them are set to face stringent vetting procedures, following the introduction of new regulations aimed at addressing malpractice associated with the practice.
The move, spearheaded by Akach, is designed to curb issues related to widow inheritance, a tradition widely practiced in the Abasuba and Luo communities.
In cultures dictate that a widow be inherited by the deceased male brothers or close relatives to help preserve the lineage of the deceased, whereby the inheritor assumes the responsibilities of providing financial and social support, and paternal care to the children who are considered heirs.
However, the new regulations now require that men undergo thorough vetting before they can inherit a widow following reports of men outside the localities assuming such roles.
Addressing the public at Sena Village on Mfangano Island yesterday, April 3,2025,the Deputy County Commissioner affirmed that he has established vetting committees at various levels.
The committees will include the family, village, sub-location, and location levels to help facilitate the implementations of these changes, with committees particularly focused on assessing men from outside the widow’s locality.
“We have set up these committees to ensure non-residents are properly vetted before they inherit widows,” Akach said.
A critical part of the set vetting process involves verifying the man’s identity, where he must present a national identity card and a letter from his chief confirming his character and conduct.
Akach warned of men lacking proper identification and further failure in the vetting process could lead to one’s excommunication,whereas those attempting to initiate relationships with widows without proper vetting will be barred stating that since such individuals might be engaging in criminal activities.
“How can we allow a stranger without an ID card to inherit a widow? That’s a criminal,” Akach remarked.
Akach also highlighted that the measure will curb instances where some inheritors have become financial burdens on widows and their families, failing to support children’s education or contribute to the household whereas they exploit the wealth left behind by the deceased husband.
The new regulations come as Suba West, an island-based fishing economy, is recording an increased number of non-resident interest in widow inheritance, turning it into a contentious issue which the authorities are hopeful that the measures will bring accountability and order to the cultural practice.
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