80-year-old man simultaneously weds 3 women

An 80-year-old man from Eldama Ravine, Kenya exchanged wedding vows with three women at the Registrar of Marriages office in Nakuru County on Friday, December 20.

Sila Kigen, a prominent farmer from Baringo County, tied the knot with the three women, whom he first married in traditional arrangements, at least 49 years ago.

Kigen’s Friday wedding to the three women was witnessed by close family members.

Kigen told K24 Digital that he decided to formalise the unions to prevent property tussles among his wives should he die.

“For a while now, I have seen the wives of polygamous men fight for their [men’s] properties once they die. I want to formally marry my partners so that the law can recognise them. When my time comes to depart from this world, they would know who gets what and how they will get the inheritance share,” said Kigen.

Kigen said his first wife died in 1956, and would, in 1966, marry two women simultaneously. Kigen added a third wife in 1970.

Kigen is a father of 30 children and tens of grandchildren.

Kigen’s wives, Rebeca Kigen, Peninah Kigen and Coletah Kigen, said they were happy that he had made the marriage official.

He is a very supportive husband,” said Rebeca.

The Registrar of Marriages in Nakuru, Caroline Mbai, said Kigen’s wedding to his three wives was the first customary union she was presiding over in her office.

“A customary marriage arrangement is allowed in law. If one wishes to have more than one wife, and the subsequent wife or wives be recognised by the State, he should visit our offices across the country and apply to have the polygamous marriage recognised,” said Mbai.