The Chairman of Widower’s in Malindi John Thoya chats with Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi during the hand over of President William Ruto’s Sh. 5 million donation to more than 2,000 widows at Central Primary school grounds in Malindi town, Kilifi County on May 4, 2026. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
Widows, widowers and single mothers in Malindi Sub-County have intensified calls for government intervention, urging the enactment of legislation to protect and economically empower them as vulnerable groups in society.
The appeal was made during a meeting with Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, who delivered a Sh5 million donation from President William Ruto aimed at supporting their economic activities.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, their president Elizabeth Muthoka, alongside widowers’ chairman John Thoya and single mothers’ chairperson Penina Mweni, highlighted persistent challenges including stigmatization, intimidation and social exclusion.
Ms Muthoka, 59, who lost her husband at 37, said widows in the region had organized themselves into 73 registered groups across the five wards of Malindi Town, Shella, Ganda, Kakuyuni and Jilore. She urged widowers and single mothers to form similar structured groups to enhance recognition and access to empowerment opportunities.
She noted that members contribute Sh20 each to sustain their office operations, while acknowledging support from Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who recently paid their annual rent and provided empowerment tools.
Despite welcoming the presidential donation, Ms Muthoka described it as insufficient to meet the needs of over 2,000 registered widows in the area.
“We appreciate the support, but the needs are still overwhelming. There are many widows who remain unregistered, and we are now planning door-to-door campaigns to bring them, as well as single mothers and widowers, into organized groups,” she said.
Mr Thoya raised concern over the silent struggles of widowers, noting that many face social and emotional challenges, including difficulties remarrying and lack of targeted support structures.
“Widowers go through the same hardships as widows, yet they are often overlooked. Some are elderly, sick and struggling without any form of protection or recognition,” he said.
On her part, Ms Mweni emphasized the political significance of single mothers, describing them as a substantial voting bloc that should not be ignored by policymakers. She referenced a past proposal by opposition leader Raila Odinga advocating for a Sh6,000 monthly stipend for single mothers.
“We are calling on legislators to revive such proposals and enact laws that will guarantee financial support for single mothers,” she said.
Local politician Stephen Opiyo pledged to table a motion in the Kilifi County Assembly advocating for monthly stipends for the groups, similar to existing support for the elderly and persons with disabilities. He also urged MP Mnyazi to champion the matter at the national level.
Responding to the concerns, Ms Mnyazi reaffirmed her commitment to advancing their agenda in Parliament and called for greater mobilization, particularly among widowers, to ensure inclusive planning and support.
“I have delivered the President’s donation today, but this is just the beginning. We need proper structures and engagement so that we can push for sustainable empowerment solutions at the national level,” she said.
