When does tradition become ? When does doing something that is obviously detrimental to kith and kin become such a headache that common-sense should be used? This next story is a fine example of what happens when the yoke of tradition trumps logic.

The lower court found that the two were legally married because of their long cohabitation. But Mwango's siblings – Rachael Kerubo, Agnes Arumba, David Arumba, and Onkoba Nyareru – went to the High Court, saying they were not satisfied with the lower court’s ruling.

According to the man, sometime in 2003, he went to Mwango’s family in a bid to secure her father’s blessings. He told the court that he paid Sh10,000 but his father-in-law died before the customary ceremony was conducted. According to Ondieki, his in-laws were not present.

The question that must be asked in this long arduous affair: What are they paying for the mortuary costs? I believe it will be more than the court costs and the dowry costs combined. Is it really worth it? 3 months over something that can be settled with a little compromise.

Sad!