i once had a conversation with a few mzees about this kikuyu tradition things.
They told me about a lot of traditions that they decided to get rid of. Very many. As someone said, talk to an old mzee and you will understand what tikiteta means.
So I asked, nicely.
So you got rid of tradition a, and tradition b, and c and d.
So why keep this nonsense of paying parents money to eat for the so called right to marry.
They said, it's god's way. I asked them why this god of theirs only deals with such matters with a group of 10 million humans. But has not seen the need to ask for bloody goats for the rest of the 5 billion.
Wah!
I was told things like, if you don't do it. You'll be cursed.
By whom I asked. After all, that same god of yours told you to circumscise your women and I see none of you cursed. Even worse, your men are taken to Aga Khan instead of the river. Why haven't I seen you drop down dead?
Boss, nilitukanwa. About the need of following "our" traditions. I had to remind them again that they had just told me that there are traditions they don't follow.
Paying for a woman is simple slavery. And a way for parents to make money off their children. It is not a tradition. Just a money milking scheme. It is that simple and clear. That is why parents conveniently decide to ignore all other traditions but keep this one. Because that's how they make their money.
Thieves are not good people. Tumeelewana?