“I was raised in a humble background, a second born in a family of four. My parents struggled to raise us as they did not have decent jobs; they worked blue-collar jobs. Despite the challenges, I was able to finish school. After completing my education, I met a gentleman, fell in love and got married. However, my life took a tragic turn when my husband turned violent. He struck me on the forehead with a sword, cracking my skull, and tried to harm our children, but good Samaritans intervened in time to save us. He later committed suicide. I spent two months in hospital recovering from effects of the Violence. While hospitalized, I received text messages accusing me of causing my husband’s death. These words deeply hurt me, as I never expected such accusations. This experience led to stigma, disinheritance, and made me realize the struggles that widows face in our country. This connection with other widows inspired me to found Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization. Through this platform, I aim to empower widows socially, legally, and economically, helping them not only survive but thrive and contribute to society.
Since founding the organization, I have been passionate about advocating for widows and their rights. I became an Independent Board Director at the Anti-FGM Board in 2020, and through my efforts, I have highlighted the issues widows face at various national and international platforms. In 2015, I presented the issue of widows and shared the statistics of widows with the then Principal Secretary for Gender, which led to the inclusion of the Widows Agenda in the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate. In 2016, I introduced International Widows Day to Kenya, and since then, we have celebrated it annually. I also started the Pre-Valentine’s Dinner in 2019, an event where widows gather, share meals, feel loved, and valued. These platforms provide opportunities for stakeholders to listen to the plight of widows. Through my work, I have represented the Widows Agenda at the United Nations, helping draft a Resolution on Widowhood, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2022. My efforts have earned me various local and international awards, including the Head of State Commendation in 2018 by former President Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta. I have also advocated for the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation and the protection of women and girls. As an author of the book “Scars of Honor”, I have shared my journey of survival to inspire and encourage other widows and survivors of Gender-Based Violence. My mission is to ensure widows live with dignity, their children receive quality education, and the laws and policies in Kenya protect widowed persons and their families. I strive to see the implementation of existing laws and advocate for changes to improve the lives of widows, making sure they matter in Kenya and beyond.”