Man sues son in-law for failing to pay Sh75k, 13 cows dowry
A man from Bungoma County has sued his son in-law for failing to pay dowry.
Protus Wanyama Mamati is demanding a total of Sh75, 000, 13 cows, two goats, two blankets, two bed sheets, one hat, one pair of gum boots and 20 liters of paraffin.
He accused his son in-law Patrick Wanjala Marango and his father Charles Wanjala Marango for failure to settle dowry in accordance to the Bukusu customary law.
The two families hail from Mukhe area, Misikhu sub-location in Bungoma County and are both bound by the Bukusu culture.
He filed the case before Kitale Resident Magistrate Peter Wasike on Thursday
Mr Mamati told the court that his son in-law discontinued the education of his daughter, Jackline Katila, while in Form 3 at Sirende Secondary School in 2011 and married her.
SIX YEAR MARRIAGE
He said the couple has lived as husband for six years and no dowry has been paid nor formal introductions made.
An angry Mr Mamati said that endless efforts have been made, and even a notice of intention to take legal action served, but his in-laws have adamantly failed to pay the bride price.
The courtroom roared with laughter when Mr Mamati insisted that at least his son in-law could pay him a hat for starters.
His son in-law admitted before Magistrate Wasike that indeed he married Mr Mamati’s daughter and got three children from the union but he has not refused to pay dowry.
He urged his father in-law to be patient up to January 2018 when he will be in a position to have a discussion over the matter.
His father added that previous attempts to pay dowry failed because he had only two cows, but Mr Mamati demanded for all the 13 head of cattle and two goats.
The case with be heard on November 16, 2017.