Kenyans have many approaches to marriage, and
government consolidated types under one law that went into effect this week.
One change has drawn the lion's share of attention: legalizing polygamy for
men—even if the first wife protests.
Africa has a so-called "polygamy belt" that
stretches from Senegal to Tanzania. A 2009 government survey indicated that 13
percent of Kenyan women were has will
eroded recent gains against HIV, and lead to more divorces and court fights over
inheritances. "We are promoting an old practice in a modern context, which
is like putting new wine in an old wineskin," said David Oginde, leader of
Christ Is the Answer Ministries. "It will burst."
But Samuel Chepkonga, former chair of Kenya's Scripture
Union, is among the Christian lawmakers who helped Muslim politicians pass the
bill. He even led the effort to remove a clause that let a woman veto her
husband's effort to take another wife.
"Not all Kenyans are Christians," said Ken Okoth,
a Christian politician who represents Kibera, a poor, largely Muslim community
on the edge of Nairobi. "If church leaders want to completely outlaw
polygamy, they should propose a bill. [But] that's impossible under our
constitution." Approximately 4 in 5 Kenyans are Christians, but that
leaves 4 million Muslims who tolerate polygamy.
"I am surprised that Christian politicians don't stand
for Christian values," said Wellington Mutiso, former leader of the EAK.
"It is very unfortunate. Maybe it is a failure on the part of the church
to disciple its members so that they can ...
Compiled by Moses Wasamu
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