An elder in Katsemeri, Kilifi, has handed over his daughter and her five children to their father without demanding bride price. The decision came after growing tired of the man's frequent visits to his home. The man had claimed to be his daughter's fiancé while saving for the bride price.
Katsemeri, Kilifi – A local elder surprised villagers by handing over his daughter and her five children to their father without any bride price payment. The man's visits began several years ago, even before the daughter started having children, and she now has five.
Whenever questioned about his frequent stays, the man said he was the elder's daughter's fiancé and that the time to marry officially had not yet arrived as he was still gathering bride price.
Recently, upon arriving at the home as usual, he found the elder standing outside with the daughter and children. "Now I've consulted with my daughter and grandchildren. Take your family and go. I don't need bride price. For now, take them with a clean heart and take responsibility," the elder told the man.
Residents of the area are astonished by the move, which highlights tensions that can arise in marriage customs.
