Why Homa Bay Widows Are Living in Fear

Widows in Homa Bay County are living in fear following the tragic death of  68-year-old deaf and mute on the night of August 12.

The victim who was identified as Wilkister Odanga was strangled to death by unknown criminals whose motive is yet to be established.

The death of the widow has created panic in Homa Bay as it exposes a lot of women who live alone at risk of being harmed.

Police reports indicate that nothing was stolen when Odanga was murdered but suspect she was defiled before being killed.

Her death has highlighted the vulnerability of some women in Homa Bay. The Lake region-based county has a number of elderly women who live alone, perhaps after being widowed or having their families work in other towns.

Homa Bay County Paralegal Network member Bernard Onyango has pointed out that elderly widows are an easy target for criminals.

According to Onyango, majority of widows who are targeted reside in dilapidated houses where criminals can easily break down the door.

“Some criminals take advantage of vulnerable women who live alone to violate their rights. Some of the houses they live in do not provide adequate security and this is what the criminals ride on,” Onyango said.