Kenyans need to abolish the culture of wife inheritance completely

There are some cultures that we Kenyans need to abolish completely more so those that belittle our women.

I am talking about the culture of wife inheritance which is practiced by many tribes here in Kenya. Wife inheritance is rampant mostly in Nyanza and Western region. Women are usually forced to remarry to the family of the deceased. In many cases it is the brother of the deceased who inherits the widow and provides for her. Wife inheritance has been justified as a way of continuing life in the home of the deceased but is this really right?

People don’t care about HIV/AIDS at all. Wife inheritance has been cited to put people at the risk of contracting HIV but people turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to this. Why put your life at risk? Why put your future and that of other people too at risk in the name of culture? Is this really true love? I think it is totally being selfish. True love is caring and is never hurting.

It is so sad that still in this 21st century women’s position in the society is greatly understated. How can they be passed from one man to another just like a sack of potatoes in the market in the name of culture? Have we no humanity left for our ladies? Have we forgotten that man was made equal to woman in the image of God?

Marriage is sacred and should not be forced. Everyone has a right to make his or her own choice and decision on whether to remarry or not. The decision made should always be respected. Women are not tools that you can any way you want.

Drafters of the law should ensure that the law prohibits and punishes all forms of wife inheritance and forced marriages. The law should also  punish those who aid or authorise wife inheritance and forced marriages. The law should also guarantee women equal rights with men in marriage including the same right to freely choose a spouse, same right to enter into a marriage and equal rights at the termination of the marriage.

Once we end cases of wife Inheritance, we will help reduce the rate of HIV infections. Brothers and sisters it is time to change. It is time to let women love by HEART NOT BY HURT.