Why 'mpango wa kandos' are here to stay- Kikuyu elder

 [Photo: Courtesy]

An elder has said that mpango wa kandos are here to stay for as long as polygamy is still frowned on.

Kikuyu elder Gregory Njiru told The Nairobian that from time immemorial, men were allowed to marry many wives, unlike today’s social setup where it is considered wrong and hence is done discreetly since most men desire more partners.

“Mpango wa kandos are here to stay because the wives are not willing to have co-wives. Nowadays, conflicts are bound to arise if a man marries a second wife, and could ultimately wreck the family. So, men marry secretly. Many are not comfortable staying with one wife,” Njiru claimed, adding that “a man needs two or more wives for comfort.”

Read Also: Kori offered 'mpango wa kando' millions to shut up

Njiru argues that “with one wife, the man is easily hushed, controlled and tormented, but if there is another woman, he can seek comfort and attention from her when the other becomes difficult to handle. In addition, jealousy will force both women to ‘behave.’ That is what was intended with African polygamy. Since it can’t be practised in the open, men have been forced to go underground...”  

Another village elder, Elijah Agina from Yala in Siaya County, says polygamy was widely accepted years back because there was abundance of resources.

“Nowadays, men wish they can marry several women, but how can they provide for them? Men of means nowadays keep mistresses, not because they can’t marry them, but because they are afraid of their wives who are empowered.

“They have become soft because the moment a woman contributes to the household budget and share responsibilities with the man, they would not allow the man to bring in another woman. How could she yet she pays half the rent? Our grandmothers sat at home and the men provided.  Even if a man married another woman, his wife would go nowhere.”