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Ailing 73-year-old granny files for divorce to end five-decade marriage

By NDUNGU GACHANE November 23rd, 2017 2 min read

A 73-year-old woman from Kiriaini town in Mathioya Constituency Murang’a County has filed a divorce case to terminate her 55-year-old marriage over alleged mistreatment by her husband and co-wife.

Marcella Mukami Kinyugo, a retired teacher, wants a Kangema law court to dissolve to marriage with Peter Kinyugo, 76, She also want to have the family property shared in half and her husband compelled to pay the cost of the suit.

Ms Mukami told the Kangema magistrate court that they were living happily as wife and husband since September 16, 1962 after a church wedding conducted at Kiriaini Catholic Church.

Then in 1984, she said, her husband, a former teacher and chief, married another woman without her approval although she did not raise an alarm as her husband continued to execute his family duties.

NEGLECTED

The complainant also claimed that it was not until five years ago when her husband suddenly absconded his matrimonial duties without explaining his decision.

“Problems in my marriage when Mr Kinyugo would stay at my co-wife’s house for weeks without coming to my house which is in the same compound,” She told the court.

The ailing granny, who was brought to court on a wheelchair, accused her husband of neglecting her after she got ill, leaving their only daughter to look after her and cater for her medical bills.

Marcella Mukami Kinyugo, 73, being wheeled out of a Kangema court after the hearing of her divorce petition. PHOTO | NDUNGU GACHANE
Marcella Mukami Kinyugo, 73, being wheeled out of a Kangema court after the hearing of her divorce petition. PHOTO | NDUNGU GACHANE

“I want the court to hear my prayers and order that I get a share of our property so that I can get money to foot my medical bill since my pension is not enough to cater for my personal upkeep,” she pleaded with the court.

She is being represented by lawyer Ms Margret Nyangati of Muchoki Kangata Advocates.

CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE

On his part the accused, who is being represented by Mr Waiganjo Gichuki, dismissed the claims maintaining that he has been treating both wives equally.

He refuted claims that he did not consult his wife while marrying his second wife Trizah Mulinge.

“Ms Mukami was actively involved in the process of customary marriage of my client’s second wife,” Mr Waiganjo said.

An altercation arose in the court when Mr Waiganjo produced some photos and gave them to Ms Mukami, a move that was objected by her lawyer, Ms Nyangati accusing him of introducing photos to the court through the backdoor.

The case was adjourned to January 18, 2018 to give the defense a chance of filing the photos to the court in accordance with the law.