Kenyan songstress Wahu Kagwi has sparked debate online after openly questioning the tradition of dowry, saying the idea of husbands paying a woman’s parents for raising her does not sit well with her.
Wahu stated that she does not intend to ask for dowry when her daughters choose to get married, arguing that parenting should never be viewed as a transaction.
“The whole idea of payment for raising my girls does not sit right with me. We chose to have them, and we continue to raise them in the best way we can—not ‘for sale,’ but for them to have the best possible opportunities in life,” she said.
“When they come of age and choose to get married, I would not require any payment. I would require that her partner loves, respects and supports her, and vice versa. That’s all.”
Her remarks triggered mixed reactions on social media. Instagram user @castings759 praised her stance, commenting, “Wow, love this.”
Meanwhile, @micahkuisya disagreed, writing, “Kama hajawai lipiwa, hakuna makosa aelemishwe pole pole atajua umuhimu wake.”
Others took a lighter approach, with @wangari_mthai joking, “Mathenge mwenyewe akiulizwa anasemaje?”
However, @bryana_kiplangat_tunechi insisted the tradition remains essential, stating, “Dowry ni lazima hata kama mmekubaliana 100 bob ni sawa.”
Dowry, often referred to as bride wealth or bride price in African societies, has deep historical roots.
Traditionally, it served as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the groom’s family to the bride’s, helping to legitimise marriages and strengthen family ties rather than signify a purchase.
Over time, the practice evolved, influenced by colonialism and modern economic realities, while retaining cultural importance.
In precolonial Africa, dowry helped secure the bride’s welfare and validated the union by formalising family obligations, including rights related to labour and procreation.
Among many Kenyan communities, livestock has traditionally formed the core of dowry payments, symbolising wealth, commitment and respect.
Practices such as ruracio, nyombo and chathe often involve negotiations over cattle, goats, lesos, kikois and, increasingly, cash.
Despite its enduring presence, dowry remains controversial.
Critics argue that it reinforces patriarchy and commodifies women, prompting renewed calls for reform or abolition to protect women’s rights.
Still, for many families, the practice continues to be embraced as a meaningful cultural celebration within modern relationships.