I was smiling until I read the part highlighted above.That was simple gesture from man but a sad and day for men

...Yes after some reflection I think we lost the plot right from the start. But their greed was unstoppable. I think there is still time to redeem ourselves...

Atalaku good on you for saying the truth.

And the truth is Kikuyus have taken marriage to the same levels of Kyuna's church. Hawana haya and yes you shall be given a list.

Why pretend that the obvious is not happening?

The customs may be all fine and dandy but the participants these days have no problem fleecing every young man that goes for these things. The worst thing is that even your wife will participate in your fleecing. Don't be surprised if she has already told them how much money you are carrying.

Watu waseme ukweli hapa.

Isn't it true that if your father had not finished his dowry he cannot take the daughters until his "bill" is cleared?

This tradition is upus of dowries. Total upus. Mine ni pale kwa chief magistrate. When I'm sure my kids are well educated, then we shall do that nonsense of sijui kutoa marinda kwa gate.

And it had better be a fun day as it used to be. I ain't removing money for some mzee to have karubu for a month or to pay anyone elses dowry.

Kwangu, haiwesekani. And if the chick can't get that in her head, I'll go get a Turkana.

@Atalaku,report here after 2nd visit.
Lakini this greed is everywhere.There're some guys from Makindu who made us sweat early this month. Below is a sample of what was asked:
Step ONE
1. Mbui-7
2. Nthasya mukwa - 50k
3. Ndata ya musee - 20k
4. Mavula - 5*6 bed
5. Suka- 2 pairs
6. Nthungi ya mama
7. Beer and sodas- 5 crates each
8. Kavumbu ya wazee - 10k

Step TWO-
1.mbui 80- 4k each
2. Ng'ombe - 3 cows@ 25k each and 1 bull @ 35k
3. Honey (ngoyoo) - 20k
4. Bags of food- Maize 3 bags and beans 1 bag.
5. Maiyu meu
6. Muthinzio wa asyai-token of appreciation for parents.

Stage THREE
1. 1 nzau ya ilute muthenya wa kyathi.
2. Cooking enough food and refreshments for guests.
3. Grandparents - blankets and sheets.
4. Uncles and aunts - shirts and lessos.

5. Beer and sodas- 5 crates each.

On top of all these, the guy is required to go cook on all three stages i.e. travel all the way to Makindu from Kikuyu . No caterer to cook,they want to see the guy cook live live (hii ni mateso),carry own water,sufurias and ingredients plus travel previous day for preparations. This is just absurd and unacceptable.

@Atalaku, care to explain some of those things asked?

Note: NOT me,already crossed the bridge way back.