Temptations, simsim and devious mothers in law: all part of the package an omwea, a newly married woman, had to overcome just to make herself a nest

poster with image of a trap with love heart as abait titled A day in the life of omwea

A newly married woman in my language, Lubukusu, is known as omwea. Any of us can imagine just what it took for her to set up a nest for herself in the communal living homestead of our forebearers. Growing up, my mother was always preparing us girls for a future with a no nonsense mother … Read more

Bukusu Marriage Customs: My Marriage My Choice.

image depicting people in traditional atrire during handing over ceremony that is part of Bukusu marriage customs

This scene from Steve Kay’s “Mbe Omukhasi” is an acceptable rendition of the part of the wedding ceremony in a traditional Bukusu marriage that took place at the girl’s matrimonial home. Image| Steve Kay | Dennis Machio| YouTube A recent gazette notice from the AG office that appeared to outlaw customary marriages, got my antenna … Read more