It’s time to stand up against evil practices in society

Christopher Bwire with his newly found love Lilian Weta at their home in Siroba village, Matayos constituency, Busia county. [Ignatius Odanga, Standard]

Something appears to be ripping apart our social fabric. Whichever way you look at it, some of the goings on are not just unusual, they are unnatural – unAfrican. Like Chinua Achebe proffered, things fall apart, and the centre no longer holds. What is troubling is that no one seems troubled. Yet, some of the goings on are so bizarre and so horrid that they should prick the bluntest of our conscience. Instead, such behaviours are becoming so common that we are beginning to consider them acceptable. 

When I heard that some two couples in Busia County had decided to swap partners, I paid little attention, believing this to be one of those outlandish behaviours that are not worthy of my attention. But, no. What would have passed for a mere prank is slowly acquiring legal and official status. The two couples recently signed a joint parental responsibility agreement, ostensibly to protect the rights of five children under their care. What is totally baffling, however, is the fact that the said agreement was signed before a tribunal comprising of Busia County Commissioner, Busia County Director of Children’s Services, and Matayos Sub-county Children’s Officer.