The luhya are among the few African cultures that don’t circumcise their women. What does that have to do with luhya myths on infidelity? Plenty we believe, but that’s of interest to anthropology. Anthropology is a compound subject matter that this series barely gleams the surface of. Conversely, this series on luhya myths on infidelity … Read more
“Lazima uoshwe na kamanyasi?” A perplexed Ayuma asked. Well versed on the predicament she faced, I affirmed that luhya myths on infidelity when divorced or separated demanded so. If one wished to bury their estranged spouse as ‘normal’ couples would, they had to partake of the ritualistic concoctions. “Ok, I’ll do it!” She answered, after … Read more
Witchcraft? Tradition? Culture? Which of the three words best describes kamanyasi in the context of luhya myths on infidelity? A teacher of thought once clarified to me that witchcraft is set aside from the body of a community’s knowledge by the explicit intention of harm by those involved. So is kamanyasi just harmless mulembe culture? … Read more
Close proximity here means anything from: nursing him on his death bed, offering a bed bath or even cleaning his linen. This high threshold of ‘no touching ‘or ‘breathing his air’ applies especially to ‘complete’ marriages. A ‘complete’ marriage is one where dowry has been paid. Not just in form of cash or grains, but … Read more
Infidelity is the action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner. In a study conducted by anti-cheating technology platform Trustify and published in February 2017, over 1/3 of marriages, reported infidelity of one or both partners. However, more recent infidelity statistics by the same firm are startling. In addition, contrary … Read more
