Suba West introduces strict vetting rules for widow inheritors

Men seeking to inherit widows in Suba West Sub-county, Homa Bay County, will now face stringent vetting procedures following the introduction of new regulations.

The move, spearheaded by Suba West Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Samson Akach, aims to curb malpractice associated with the practice of widow inheritance, which is common among the Abasuba and Luo communities.

Widow inheritance, traditionally practiced to ensure the continuity of a deceased husband's lineage, has attracted men who take in widows and raise children considered to belong to the deceased.

 However, the new rules require thorough vetting before a man is allowed to inherit a widow.

To enforce the new guidelines, Akach has established vetting committees at multiple levels, including the family, village, sub-location, and location levels.

These committees will scrutinize potential inheritors, particularly those from outside the widow’s locality.

“We have set up these committees to vet non-residents before they inherit widows,” Akach stated during a public address at Sena village on Mfangano Island.

Among the vetting criteria is the verification of a man's origin, which will require him to present a national identity card and a letter from his chief detailing his conduct.

Akach raised concerns that some men posing as widow inheritors lack identification documents, making it easier for them to engage in criminal activities.

“How do we accommodate a stranger who lacks an ID card in the name of widow inheritance? That is a criminal,” Akach remarked.

Men who fail the vetting process but have already inherited widows will be excommunicated, while those seeking to start such relationships will be barred.

Akach also criticized some inheritors for being financial burdens to the widows’ families.

“Many of these men neither educate the children nor provide for the family. They simply exploit the wealth left by the deceased husband. That is wrong,” he said.

He further cautioned widows against accepting men who are only interested in sex and wealth, urging them to choose partners of good character.

Suba West’s appeal to non-residents, especially due to its island-based fishing economy, has made widow inheritance a contentious issue.

Authorities hope the new measures will bring order and accountability to the practice.