A court has approved a 52-year-old Kenyan man’s dowry refund petition after the failure of his marriage.
The ex-couple, Wilberforce Murunga and Irine Khasoa got married in 2017.
After their marriage was annulled in 2021 in a Kitale court, he dragged his former in-laws to the chief magistrate in December 2021, demanding a dowry refund.
He also asked for a repayment of three cows, one she-goat, a pair of gumboots, and a hat after his two-year marriage to their daughter fell apart.
Reports stated that after one year and six months of marriage, his wife abandoned their marital home and that according to Bukusu customs, he was entitled to a refund.
He said:
“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.”
Murunga further claimed before Kitale Chief Magistrate, Julius Ngar that his mother-in-law and her daughter had conspired to defraud him of his hard-earned money.
However, the Kitale mediation court, in its judgment on Saturday, May 14, 2022, ordered that the three cows, a she-goat, and KSh 20, 000 be refunded.
It was gathered that Murunga and his brother, Fred Matumbayi then proceeded to Kiungani at the Chief’s office in Baraton to pick up the animals and cash from his in-laws.
Afterwards, Murunga said he was happy that justice had finally been served.
He said:
“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 man also urged men suffering in silence to come out and trust a court for justice.
