Clerics divided over Marriage Bill

By Kevine Omollo

Kenya: Some clerics from Nyanza region have differed with their counterparts who are calling upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to reject the controversial Marriage Bill.

The clerics said no amount of law can control the heart of a human being on matters of marriage hence the State should not dwell on making such laws.

Holy Ghost Coptic Church Leader Father John Pesa said the Bible accepts “clean” polygamy, adding that creating complications through law may worsen the already unstable marriage institution.

“Let those opposed to polygamy read the book of Timothy. We have had so many successful polygamous families even in the society we are in now,” said Father Pesa.

The priest said marrying subsequent wives should be at the discretion of the ‘beholder’ with guidance from religious leaders and family members.

“What if a pastor’s wife goes mad, dies or runs away?” he asked.

Chairman, Nyanza Council of Churches Bishop Ogonyo Ngede said restricting men to one wife cannot be achieved through law because it is a matter of the heart.

“Such a Bill should not have been there in the first place. As Christian leaders, our work is to preach for change and betterment and not judgment. Christianity restricts monogamy to those in the service such as pastors, priests, bishops and those in similar positions,” said Ngede.

Bishop Ngede said developed countries, which restricted marriage to one wife, have had more problems of extra marital affairs, which destroy families more.

“It is not possible to have a restriction in marriage. Let salvation do that bit,” said the Bishop.

Some clerics recently called on President Kenyatta to reject the Bill, which widened the choice of marriage through proposing that a man will no longer require permission to marry subsequent wives.

Female MPs opposed the bill saying it will destroy many marriages.