PS Omollo leads widows’ empowerment drive in Siaya, hails grassroots growth

Speaking in Siaya County during a widows’ empowerment drive held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Omollo said meaningful development must begin with those most affected by poverty, ensuring growth is felt at the grassroots before it reaches the upper tiers of society.

The event, hosted by ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, marked a major milestone for the Widows Empowerment Program, bringing together 157 widow groups drawn from all 30 wards across Siaya County.

Organisers said the strong turnout reflected growing trust and confidence in the initiative’s mission to restore dignity, livelihoods and hope among vulnerable women.

Omollo, who serves as patron of the Widows Empowerment Program, described the forum as a practical demonstration of how community-driven partnerships can translate policy into real impact.

The empowerment drive was organised in partnership with the Siaya Community Digital Hub.

During the event, widows received essential support including rice, cooking oil, beans, sugar and fruit tree seedlings. The assistance was aimed at addressing immediate household needs while also promoting long-term food security and environmental conservation.

Organisers also mobilised significant goodwill, with Ksh11 million raised to further support the program’s activities.

So far, the Widows Empowerment Program has directly transformed the lives of more than 22,000 widows nationally, supported about 400 community-based organisations and sponsored over 600 orphans under a German Language Program, creating pathways to skills development, dignity and economic independence.

In Siaya County alone, the program’s impact is already visible. More than 10 widows have benefited from decent housing initiatives, replacing unsafe and deplorable living conditions with secure and dignified homes.

Additionally, over 300 orphans from widow-led households are currently sponsored to attend school, improving access to education and future opportunities.

Youth empowerment has also emerged as a key pillar of the initiative. Through the program, 250 youths from Siaya County studying the German language at Tom Mboya University have received structured support, opening doors to skills development and global employment opportunities.

Beyond Siaya, the Widows Empowerment Program has expanded its footprint to Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Kitui, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Nyeri and Kakamega counties. Plans are already underway to roll out the initiative in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties, extending its reach to the Coast region.

Beneficiaries at the Siaya event praised Omollo for what they described as hands-on leadership and a genuine commitment to widows, drawing parallels with the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“PS Omollo yuko na roho ya utu. Hatukufikiria angeweza kufika hapa West Uyoma, lakini sasa tunaona hatujasahaulika,” said Rose Onyango, one of the beneficiaries.

She noted that widows often endure severe hardship after losing their spouses, saying the program had restored hope and visibility.
“Wajane hupitia maisha magumu sana, lakini kupitia Raymond tunaona kuna mabadiliko na tunakumbukwa.”

Another beneficiary said the initiative echoed empowerment efforts previously championed by Raila Odinga.
“Baba alileta inua jamii kwa wajane, sasa Raymond ameleta chakula kwa wajane, na tunafurahia sana,” she said.

Mary Atieno, also a beneficiary, said the program had changed her life, including helping her secure decent housing.
“Kabla sikuwa na nyumba, sasa walinijengea nyumba. Raymond Mungu ambariki, huu mradi umesaidia watu kama sisi.”

Atieno described Omollo as a father figure to widows and orphans and urged him to continue with the initiative.
“Hata kama Baba alilala, tuko na baba mwingine anaitwa Raymond. Ni baba ya wajane na mayatima wote.”