This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On Wednesday, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi met with Njuri Ncheke elders in Meru to discuss the issue of excessive dowry prices.
According to Njuri Ncheke Secretary General Josphat Murangiri, parents have commercialized dowry payment, leading to high prices that are unfavourable to orphaned young men and those from poor families.
Traditionally, dowry was paid in the form of a she-goat, a bundle of miraa, a drum of honey, a heifer, a bull, a ram, and a blanket for the girl's mother and a coat for the girl's father.
However, the Njuri Ncheke official said that the bridegroom could wed the girl once the she-goat or miraa bundle was settled, with the rest paid in instalments after the couple settled.
Murangiri cited a case where a young man was asked to pay Sh1 million as dowry, which he described as 'unfavourable to orphaned young men and those from poor families.'
The Njuri Ncheke elder also stated that parents have been asking for clothes such as expensive suits and shoes, contrary to the Meru culture.
Governor Murungi called on Njuri Ncheke to draft laws that will foresee uniform and balanced payment of bride price, noting that huge bride price has been hindering young people in Meru from marrying.
