Gov’t Intervenes After Two Kenyan Women Mutually Swap Husbands

Two Kenyan women who mutually swapped their husbands a few weeks ago have signed a deal to each live with their biological children in their new marriages. 

This comes after the couples signed a joint parenting agreement that was witnessed by Busia County Commissioner Jacob Narengo and Children Services Director Esther Wasige at a Busia hotel on Wednesday.

Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Wasige said the kids were still young and could not be allowed to live with their fathers’ new wives.

Following the agreement, officers from the Department of Children said they will be making constant visits to the couples’ homes to ensure the children are safe.

"The children are below 10 years, so we have agreed that the mothers should stay with them until they are adults,” said Wasige.

“Let them stay the way they want because they are adults, but biological fathers of the children must ensure the children go to school, are clothed and whenever they are sick must get medication,” she added.

Wasige explained that the documents the couples signed were legally binding but can be amended if the need arises.

“If any party disobeys the agreement we shall sue them for neglecting their children. Therefore, we shall ensure that the agreement is adhered to,” she said.

“We should ensure that the rights of the children are protected until they are adults. The agreement will be reviewed whenever the need arises,” he added.

28-year-old Lilian Weta, a mother of three, and 29-year-old Immaculate Wekesa, a mother of two, exchanged husbands in search of “happiness and peace of mind.”

Weta was married to Christopher Abwire, 34, while Auma was the wife of Kevin Barasa, 35.

“I will ensure that Lilian’s children are given good care to my capability,” said Abwire after signing the agreement.

On his part, Barasa said: “I am ready to take care of my friend’s children until they reach 18. I will ensure they have food on the table and go to school.”