From the misty hills and towering trees of Embobut Forest in Elgeyo Marakwet County rises the inspiring story of Mary Khati Komen, a courageous human rights defender and a proud daughter of the Sengwer community.
Like the resilient trees of her homeland, Mary has stood firm in defending the land rights of her people, whose ancestral land has been gazetted as forest land. She has bravely spoken for a community often unheard, reminding us that land is not just soil, but identity, heritage, and life.Mary has also equally championed the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Through her tireless advocacy, the rate of FGM in the community has reduced significantly. In a powerful act of courage, when a woman was raped and the community sought to settle the matter traditionally, Mary pursued justice at the High Court in Eldoret, where the perpetrator was sentenced to seven years in prison. That victory restored dignity and strengthened respect for women in the community.
Her courage has inspired change. Today, more than 50 women confidently speak in community barazas, spaces once considered only for men.
Now serving as the Director of the Sengwer Cultural Women Group, Mary continues to uplift her community and is leading the effort to build a Sengwer Cultural Centre, bringing together supporters who believe in protecting the rights and dignity of women and children.
This International womens day, we celebrate Mary Khati Komen—
a daughter of Embobut Forest whose courage, like the rivers flowing from its hills, continues to inspire hope, justice, and change.
