Kakamega Widow Rescued from Paper Shack Amid Land Wars

Each day for the last six months, as the sun set over Shirulu Village, Isukha South Ward in Kakamega County-Kenya, 63-year-old Catherine Hagasa Mate would brace herself for another night in her tiny cubic makeshift paper shelter. Vulnerable and fearful, she lay awake, unsure of what dangers might come her way.
Her fragile shanty house, exposed to health and safety hazards, stood as a stark reminder of her family's betrayal and the harsh realities faced by many widows in many parts of the country, with the issue of land inheritance remaining deeply intertwined with gender inequality.
Born into a family of six children, Mate's life has been marked by loss and hardship. The three visible cemented graves strategically positioned in the homestead are a daily reminder of the loved ones she has lost and the familial strife that has left her struggling to make this place home.
"My parents passed away, followed by four of my siblings, leaving her with only one surviving sister. Having been married with four children, I was forced to return to my parental home after my husband died and my in-laws turned against me," said Mate.
However, the return was far from a refuge. Instead, it entangled her in a bitter land dispute that saw her ejected from her parents' house by her own blood.
"I remember waking up on 19th November 2023, at six in the morning to an angry crowd standing outside my parent's house. My sister had arrived with goons who tore down and destroyed every building in the compound, including my late brothers' houses. Two men assaulted me when I tried to stop them from destroying the house. I lost everything that was in the house," recalled Mate.
Mate accuses her only sister of masterminding her eviction from the family home, irrespective of her offer to care for the land on behalf of her deceased brothers' children, who are still in school.
“My sister collaborated with other extended family members and some of the local administrators to evict me from this land so they could sell it. However, I am here to ensure my brothers' children get their share. What saddens me is that some of the local administrators, like the assistant chief, were part of this deal. While they are tasked with helping people in getting legitimate shares and solving problems related to land, they collude with family members to oppress women, especially the poor,” she said.
Having no house to enter at the end of the day, Mate was forced to flee and seek refuge at her pastor's home, where she stayed for the remainder of the year. In January 2024, she opted to return to her family land, where with the help of neighbours, she constructed the paper house she has lived in for the past six months, as she lacked the necessary materials to build a decent house.
Family dialogues held by village elders, to try and restore peace between the involved parties, did not bear fruits. Driven to seek justice, Mate reported the assault case to the police. She also raised the land issue with the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), which has initiated the succession process. There is an ongoing case in Kakamega law courts about this.
Her plight is not unique. In Kenya, widows and orphans often find themselves marginalized and stripped of their land inheritance rights by opportunistic relatives. Traditional customs frequently bar women from inheriting land, leaving them at the mercy of their relatives and in anguish.
According to a 2023 report published by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), approximately 45% of widows in Kenya face similar struggles, including disinheritance and eviction, forcing them into precarious living conditions. KNBS further reveals that complaints about succession and inheritance are among the most prevalent issues, accounting for 26.2% of all grievances reported.
However, Kenyan law Under the Kenyan Constitution, Article 60, now recognizes the rights of daughters to inherit their parents' land, a significant shift aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable women. The law also moreover protects widows and orphans, ensuring they have the means to support themselves and their families.
Despite her desperate situation, Mate's story changed for the better when a charitable organization learned of her plight and stepped in to build her a proper house. This new home comes in to offer her shelter and safety as well as restore her dignity and hope.
Mate's new home
"The structure I have been living in is not safe. There is no door to protect me from wild animals. I fear for my life and security. Someone recently slashed the paper wall at night while I was sleeping. I have suffered from cold and malaria several times in the last six months. When it rains, I am forced to sleep while standing as water flows through my house. I am grateful that I finally have a well-constructed house," she stated.
Benbella Oyalo, a humanitarian from the Jesus Freedom Ministry Kenya, after building the house and equipping it with essential furniture, spotlighted Mate's case to urge society to support widows and orphans facing similar challenges.
He called for action, noting, "It saddens me to see an elderly lady forced to live in such an unconducive environment. Sadly, those close to her are the ones leading these atrocious acts. We must embrace and protect the rights of the vulnerable members of our community," he said.
Justus Musoka, the Isukha South Ward Administrator, issued a stern warning against anyone found exploiting or abusing vulnerable members of society.
"The local authority is aware of the occurrences in Shirulu Community Area. We have talked to the involved parties and warned those that tried to interfere. Together with other stakeholders like FIDA and religious leaders, we are doing everything we can to ensure Mate is settled into her new home without intimidation. Our constitution allows women to inherit land, and we will enforce this right," he stated.
"I call upon the family and other community members to embrace dialogue. As stakeholders, we are putting measures, such as civil education, to reduce similar cases of gender-based violence in our community area. I hope this is the last case," added Musoka.
Catherine Mate's story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles vulnerable people face under the discriminative system of property ownership. We must make many strides to promote a just and equitable nation.