Know your rights With HAROLD AYODO
Q) Dear Harold
We have dated for six years and recently resolved to get married after we complete our postgraduate degrees and land better jobs and salaries. However, we are still undecided whether to undergo statutory marriage (in church) or customary marriage where my fiancé pays bride price as per our tradition and we live as one. Would you shed some light on features of a customary marriage?
Maureen, Meru
Dear Maureen,
First, both of you will require consent from your parents – depending on traditions of your community – before elders agree on your bride price. There are some communities where men are allowed to take their fiancés home even before completion of traditional marriage ceremonies. For some communities, some ceremonies need to take place for a recognised marriage to exist, like Ngurario for Kikuyus, Mbui Sya Ntheo for Kambas and Nyombo dhok for Luo. Customary marriages are potentially polygamous. However, your husband would seek your consent as his first wife before marrying another. According to customary law, husbands must ensure that there is a house for each of the wives and he must support them and their children in all ways. For you as the wife, you must take care of the household – especially your husband and children.
