Male MPs pass contentious changes on Marriage Bill

By Wilfred Ayaga

Nairobi, Kenya: The National Assembly has passed controversial amendments that would strengthen the male hand within the family and other social relationships.

Male MPs ganged up to pass the amendments that would have far reaching ramifications on the family.

The Committee of the Whole House allowed an amendment that denies a jilted lover the right to seek damages and another that gives men a free hand to take second wives to go through.

The amendments have split the House since they were introduced into the House.

Priscilla Nyokabi (Kiambu) said that it was important that the amendments be defeated for the sake of family unity.

“If you choose to marry, it is important you inform your wife that you are taking another partner. For the sake of cohesion, it is important to inform all the parties,” she said.

Supporting the amendments, Benjamin Washiali (Mumias) said he was a product of a second wife.

“I am a child of a second wife. If this law was there, I would not have been born,” he said.

Moving the amendment, Justice Committee chairperson Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) said that African men were expected to be polygamous.

“Marriages are potentially polygamous,” he told the House.

But Regina Muia (Kilome) vowed to mobilise other female members to shoot down the Bill.

Another amendment that roped in women in the sharing of maintenance costs for children in case of a divorce also sailed through the Committee stage.

Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem) claimed that women opposed to the amendments were only interested in seizing family property.

“Men are jittery because women want to take our wealth. I don’t want to die poor,” he said.

An amendment that had been introduced by Majority Leader Adan Duale that would have allowed Islamic Law a greater say in determining the marriage age for girls was defeated.

Among those who opposed the amendment were Nyokabi (Kiambu), who argued that it would expose underage girls to exploitation.

“We cannot allow minors to be legislated by other cultures. We must protect the rights of children,” she told the House.

In a telephone conversation with The Standard, lawyer Judy Thongo’ri said despite any shortcomings that the Marriage Bill may have, it was good that the country eventually has a law on marriages.

Maendeleo ya Wanaume Chairman Nderitu Njoka supported the amendments.