A court has approved a 52-year-old Kenyan man’s dowry repayment request following the dissolution of his marriage.
The man and his estranged wife, Irine Khasoa, got married in 2017 and their marriage was annulled in 2021 in a Kitale court.
The man identified as Wilberforce Murunga then dragged his former in-laws to Kitale chief magistrate in December 2021, demanding a dowry refund including cash, three cows, one she-goat, a pair of gumboots, and a hat after his two-year marriage to their daughter fell apart.
Wilberforce claimed that after one year and six months of marriage, his wife abandoned their marital home, and that since he had paid the dowry according to Bukusu customs, he was entitled to a refund.
“I paid Sh50,000, three Ayrshire heifers, one cross Ayrshire bullock, one she-goat, a pair of gumboots and a hat as bride price. I have a copy of the dowry negotiation agreement which was counter-signed by representatives of both families,” he said.
In the case before Kitale Chief Magistrate Julius Ngar, he argued that his mother-in-law and her daughter had conspired to defraud him of his hard-earned money.
The Kitale mediation court, in its judgment on Saturday, May 14, 2022, ordered Wilberforce to be refunded three cows, a she-goat and KSh 20, 000.
Wilberforce nd his brother Fred Matumbayi then proceeded to Kiungani at the Chief’s office in Baraton to pick the animals and cash from his in-laws.
Speaking after being refunded, Murunga said he was happy that justice had finally been served.
In his words,
“I am excited and happy that the court has done justice for me. Since the aggressor happens to be a lawyer I never thought I would win this case and I thank God.”
The elated man also urged men suffering in silence to come out of their comfort zone and trust in court for justice.
