A widows’ empowerment programme spearheaded by ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has begun disbursing funds to widows across the region, targeting 96 groups in a bid to strengthen their economic independence through table banking and legal aid support.

Speaking during the disbursement of the funds in West Sakwa Ward, Bondo Constituency, the programme coordinators Ms Tabitha Ogutu said that they will cover all 30 wards in Siaya, with a total of KSh5.9 million earmarked for distribution.

Tabitha Ogutu who is also the CEO of Siaya Community Digital Hub stated that so far, they have released Ksh1.8 million, with each group getting KSh20,000 to boost their table banking activities.

She stated that beyond financial support, the initiative is also rolling out pro bono legal aid services to help widows navigate succession rights and land disputes.

The CEO added that they are currently partnering with other organizations including Access to Justice Kenya and the Office of the Presidential Advisor, Jaoko Oburu to register their legal challenges, which will be processed through a dedicated desk at the Digital Hub.

MCA for West Sakwa Ward Mrs. Tabu Osewe Odinga, herself a widow of 26 years, praised the programme and highlighted the recent passage of a Siaya County Widows’ Social Protection Law in the Siaya County Assembly, championed by female MCAs.

She said that as widows they have walked a long journey adding that after passing the Bill into law, they are meeting widows across the county to ensure they understand their rights and can benefit from these programmes.

Leaders of the widow groups led by Milka Akoth Owino expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting its potential to transform lives saying that the support had given them economic strength.

The disbursement drive will continue throughout the week, with organizers promising that no widow will be left behind as the programme expands across Siaya County.