'Marry At least 7 Wives'- Luo Elder Nyandiko to Young Men

Nyandiko argued that failure to practice polygamy is to blame for the rising number of single women in the country.

“I am not happy with what our young men are doing today. My observation is that majority of them are monogamous. It is unfortunate that young Luo men fear polygamy like death,” Ongadi said.

He used the eight wives he wed throughout the course of eight separate marriages as an example.

“Today, my first wife who is almost my agemate is no longer active in many ways due to old age. There are some duties that I cannot assign to her. But such duties are assigned to my last wife who is still youthful. Let men who are blessed with money marry at least seven wives,” Ongadi said.

Luo Elder Nyandiko Ongadi. PHOTO FILE

However, according to the Luo beliefs, Luo men who had many women had a higher social status.

Elders would gather to enjoy traditional liquor in homes, where they would sit around the drink.

A guy with only one wife was frequently instructed to seat near the entrance because it was thought that he would generate needless commotion in the event that he learned that his lone wife had passed away.

A polygamous man, on the other hand, was regarded as "secure" in the sense that losing one of his several wives would not disturb him as much.

Polygamy was regarded as a symbol of prosperity and strong leadership. Guys respected men who could successfully run such a family.