A 73-year-old granny has filed a divorce case to terminate
her 55-year-old marriage over alleged mistreatment by her husband and
co-wife.
Marcella Mukami Kinyugo, a retired teacher from Kiriaini town in
Mathioya Constituency, Kenya recently went to the Kangema magistrate
court to demand that her marriage to Peter Kinyugo, 76, is dissolved.
According to Nairobi News, Marcella also wants to have the family
property shared in half and her husband compelled to pay the cost of the
suit.
Ms. Mukami told the court that they were living happily as husband
and wife since September 16, 1962, after a church wedding conducted at
Kiriaini Catholic Church.
But their family problem started in 1984, when her husband, a former
teacher and chief, married another woman without her approval, although,
she never for once questioned his decision.
The complainant also claimed that it was not until five years ago
when her husband suddenly absconded his matrimonial duties without
explaining his decision.
“Problems in my marriage when Mr. Kinyugo would stay at my
co-wife’s house for weeks without coming to my house which is in the
same compound,” She told the court.
According to the seriously ill woman, who was brought to court in a
wheelchair, she accused her husband of neglecting her after she got
sick, leaving their only daughter to look after her and cater for her
medical
“I want the court to hear my prayers and order that I get a share
of our property so that I can get money to foot my medical bill since
my pension is not enough to cater for my personal upkeep,” she pleaded
with the court.
Her husband, Mr.Peter Kinyugo, however dismissed the claims
maintaining that both wives are being treated equally. He also refuted
claims that he did not consult his wife while marrying his second wife
Trizah Mulinge.
Kinyugo’s lawyer Mr Waiganjo Gichuki told the court that Ms. Mukami
was actively involved in the process of the customary marriage of my
client’s second wife.
An argument ensued in the court when Mr. Waiganjo brought forward
some photos and gave them to Ms. Mukami, a move that was objected by her
lawyer, Ms. Nyangati accusing him of illegally introducing the photos
in court.
The case was adjourned to January 18, 2018, to give the defense a
chance of filing the photos to the court in accordance with the law.