This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, the Kenyan government issued a warning to single mothers with substantial bank accounts: declare your income sources by December 2019 or face arrest.
The cabinet secretary for interior security, Dr. Fred Matiang'i, justified the move as a means to curb immorality and extortion in the country.
Dr. Matiang'i stated, 'We cannot just sit and watch people who want to get easy money. Let us live an honest life. We will do anything humanly possible to bring those women who have dubious amounts in their accounts before the book.'
However, the announcement has sparked outrage from feminists and single mothers' groups, who view the move as an attempt to sabotage their lives.
Faith Mbura, chair of the Central Kenya Single Mothers, vehemently opposed the decision, saying, 'We cannot accept this move at all. Not now, not ever.'
Single mothers argue that the move would give irresponsible fathers an opportunity to shirk their financial responsibilities, while men have expressed support for the initiative, planning rallies in its favor by December.
