Mixed reactions as Uhuru legalises polygamy
Jeers and cheers greeted President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision on Tuesday to sign into law a Bill that allows polygamy.
The Marriage Act 2014 allows men to marry as many women as they please, and they will not have to consult their wives before doing it.
It defines various types of marriages including monogamous, polygamous, customary, Christian, Islamic and Hindu marriages.
The Act, which consolidates various laws relating to marriage, provides procedures for separation and divorce. It also regulates the custody and maintenance of children in the event of separation and divorce.
The National Assembly passed the marriage bill on 21 March and it had since been awaiting presidential accent.
Kenyans on tweeter expressed their support and condemnation to the new law that will allow polygamy without consent.
Njoki Wamaitha tweeted “You’d think Margaret Kenyatta would stop the president from signing that bogus marriage bill. Shame on!”
Kevin Mburu tweeted “The marriage bill, has been signed into law. Does this mean, couples should sign prenup forms? My take yes.”
Fredrick Oginga tweeted “Now that the marriage bill has been signed to law, Uhuruto should lead and others to follow..marry second wife asap.#MarriageBill”
Desiree Gomes tweeted “So now that the Marriage Bill has been signed, Kenyan men can now marry many wives! Will the ‘mpango wa kando‘ still continue?”
Yobes Mathai tweeted “who else thinks that this marriage bill thing is nonsense?? there are more important things our so called leaders should be taking care of.”
Joyce tweeted “Marriage Bill 2014 = Polygamy = Polyandry!!! No need for celebration from the men.”