Economy

Man sues his son-in-law for unpaid dowry

court

Man told Kitale court that his son-in-law eloped with his daughter while she was in high school in Bungoma. file photo | nmg

A man Thursday sued his son-in-law for failing to pay dowry.

Protus Mamati wants the court in Kitale to compel the husband of his daughter, Patrick Marango, to pay the dowry “to the last bit” according to Bukusu traditions.

He is demanding Sh50,000 for himself, Sh25,000 for his wife, 13 cows, two goats, two blankets, two bed sheets, one hat, a pair of gumboots and 20 litres of paraffin. Mr Mamati told the court that his son in-law eloped with his daughter, Jackline Katila, while she was in Form 3 at Sirende Secondary School, Bungoma, in 2011.

He said Mr Marango had neither visited him for formal introduction nor offered a token of appreciation over the six years.

“My daughter was doing very well in school until she was pulled out for marriage. Till now the man has never bothered to come to us for a formal introduction or even pay dowry. It is just like he stole my daughter,” Mr Mamati told the court. 

He said he had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach the son-in-law.

Mr Marango admitted before Resident Magistrate Peter Wasike to marrying Ms Katila, arguing that he needed more time to settle the dowry in full. They have three children together.

“I have never refused to pay my father-in-law dowry. All I needed was time to make arrangements in order to invite them and we settle this matter properly,” he said.

He said an offer to pay the dowry in bits was rejected.

“We have tried to solve this matter home but in vain since. He insists he wants all the dowry. He says I have wasted his daughter’s time,” added Mr Marango.

Mr Marango’s father told the court that when both families met they could not agree since he had only two cows but that Mr Mamati demanded all the 13 cows and two goats.

“Protus and I met but we could not agree. I told him that I have only two cattle but he insisted on 13 and two goats so we left it there but he has been threatening of suing me which he has actually done,” said Mr Marango’s father.

The case will be heard on November 16.