Jolly dowry ceremony turns tragic after 23 relatives die

Within hours, a home in Kathonzweri, Makueni county has hosted “heaven and hell”.

Friday was a happy day as two families, friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate the marriage of Mr Richard Muneene and his wife Magdalene, a couple that has lived together since 1970s.

The feast continued through the night, and extended to Saturday as more friends arrived for the ceremony.

Turned mourners

Sunday was the complete contrast as merry makers turned mourners; Mr Muneene was killed in an accident together with 22 relatives and friends — 11 men, an equal number of women and a child. His son Kyalo also died in the accident at Waani River Bridge near Tawa.

Those who perished and 15 others who survived with injuries had attended the celebrations at Kathonzwei and were travelling in the same bus.

They were returning to their homes in Kangundo when the vehicle veered off the road, rolled and landed on the river bed upside down.

Mr Muneene had led his relatives and friends to pay homage to his in-laws in accordance with Kamba traditions.

Mr Bernard Mutune spoke on behalf of the family: “This ceremony is called Ilute. It was supposed to be the last visit here to mark that he had successfully completed paying the dowry. Once this is accomplished, he is allowed to accept dowry from those who want to marry his daughters, otherwise he was forbidden from doing so.”

During the ceremony, a bull and goat were slaughtered.

“It’s a thanks giving ceremony to the in-laws for a good and successful marriage. The guests are informed by the couple that they lived well since they started their marriage,” said Mr Mutune.

When the Nation visited the home, situated in Syatu Village and one could be forgiven for thinking that a sombre mood had engulfed the village for an entire week.

A talk with Mr Mutune reveals why the event was so important to Mr Muneene who unfortunately did not know it was his last trip to his in-laws.

His father and mother-in-law had passed on several years back but he was obliged to complete the dowry paying process.

“This was their homestead, where they were buried. Only the last son lives here as per tradition. And so he had to host them in their absence and receive the last batch of the dowry price,” Mr Mutune explained.

The deceased had two sons and three daughters, who were all married. But he is not allowed to receive the bride price for his daughters until he had finished paying for his own wife.

And in the event he was not alive to do so, one of his sons was obliged to do so.

While the in-laws left, Magdalene was left behind. Her sister Rebecca Kimongo told the Nation: “Her home would have lost a father and mother all at once.”

Mr Muneene and those who had accompanied him left the compound at around 7pm on Saturday and met their death two and half hours later.

Besides his son who perished, the other of his children were travelling with their spouses and are among the injured.