NAIROBI, Kenya — Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has opened up about her marriage, revealing that she did not receive any dowry from her Zimbabwean husband, Magugu Mabona, saying the practice does not define her worth or the strength of their union.
Odhiambo’s remarks came after a viral video surfaced showing a Nairobi lawyer reclaiming cows he had given as dowry from his ex-wife’s family in a public spectacle that drew widespread condemnation online. The MP, known for her outspoken views on gender equality and cultural reform, took to social media to explain her stance.
“I rarely comment on people’s personal lives, but I hope you see why I refused dowry payment for me. When I love a man, a simple word of ‘I love you and I commit to you’ suffices,” she wrote.
“An exchange of vows publicly shows commitment to stay together. But equating my worth to cows is a no-no for me. I respect those who choose that path, though. It’s just not a thing for me.”
Odhiambo added that if her marriage ever failed, there would be no livestock to return — privately or publicly. Her position challenges traditional Luo customs, which require that dowry or part of it be refunded to dissolve a customary marriage.
In Luo culture, a cow and a goat are often retained by the woman’s family as symbols of respect and continuity. The cow signifies that the woman was married honourably, while the goat represents the potential for reconciliation between the two families.
Cultural commentators note that Odhiambo’s views reflect a growing generational debate about the relevance of dowry in modern unions, particularly among professionals and inter-ethnic couples. “While dowry remains a respected tradition, younger Kenyans are questioning whether it should be transactional or symbolic,” said a cultural analyst.
Meanwhile, the city lawyer’s recent dowry retrieval has sparked discussions about the commodification of marriage and the dignity of women. The lawyer’s ex-wife condemned the act, calling it humiliating and “far from the dignity we once shared.”
Odhiambo’s remarks add to a broader national conversation about balancing cultural heritage with evolving social values, especially on gender equity and marital customs in contemporary Kenya.