Kikuyu Elders Back Kiambu Woman Rep Gathoni Wamuchomba's Call for Rich Men to Marry Many Wives

Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba's call for rich men to embrace polygamy has received a backing from Gikuyu Cultural Association (GCA).

Speaking during a special delegates retreat held in Naivasha, the over 200 members of GCA threw their weight behind the Woman Representative's call, terming it a step in the right direction.

In a statement, the association’s secretary general Joseph King’ori said the elders, who are the custodians of the community's heritage and culture, have endorsed Wamuchomba's call.

“We are fully behind the call for polygamy but only for those able to support such families. It is optional,” he said.

Last week, the former radio journalist sparked debate after she said that marrying multiple wives would be a solution to modern day societal problems including alcoholism and street families. She said that most of the immoralities in the society today are caused by raising up of children in absence of their fathers.

“It is not a standard rule for every community member to be in a polygamous relationship,” Kingori added.

Gikuyu Cultural Association chairperson Kigochi Waimiri called for legalization of polygamous marriages and accused those opposing it of hypocrisy.

“Some of them are in several secret relationships. All what we want is to see the unions legalised,” he said.

The elders pointed out that it is shameful that most extramarital relationships only come to be known after one party dies, leading to protracted legal tussles over sharing of their wealth.