Soy MP David Kiplagat has discouraged the practice of paying dowry with a herd of cattle, which is common in some communities.
He says some communities demand up to 90 cows from young men struggling to make ends meet.
“In some areas, young men engage in cattle rustling and raiding because they have been asked for large herds of cattle but do not have any,” he explained.
The lawmaker says this leads suitors to engage in criminal activities in order to pay dowry and is to blame for banditry.
“Instead of cows, the two families can agree on symbolic gifts such as lesos, cooking oil, and other gifts because marriage should not be commercialised,” Kiplagat said.
Marriage institutions should not be judged based on whether or not dowry was paid, but under customary law, a certificate is sufficient to prove the union.
“Discouraging dowry payment with cows will also economically empower young men. The current method is insufficient for marriage security,” he said.
Kiplagat said if his idea is adopted, it will not allow randy men to use and dump women
He used a recent screenshot from a certain community in which it was claimed that a man was forced to part with more than 80 cattle heads.
“Girls should not be sold, even if they have two university degrees,he adds, because marriage should not be made commercial, he added
