'PURCHASING' AN AFRICAN BRIDE

THE COST OF AN AFRICAN BRIDE

Fingers snap and the serious faces suddenly transform into wide grins. The deal is closed. Definitely the fate of the three cows and goats tethered to nearby tree stumps is sealed. Meanwhile, the goats continue browsing the scotched earth as the cows graze oblivious of the fact that they have been the subject of the semi-circle formed around the giant guava tree in Mama Paulina Botute's homestead.

In the house the women folk wait with bated breath. Some sit patiently next to sufurias of delicacies they started preparing the night before. Others peep through the windows in an effort to read the mood of the men's meeting. The groom's mother sits with taut muscles. This is her last born son and probably her favourite child. Nothing should go wrong.

So when the wazees stand up and shake hands, there are low ululations in the house. Low because it hasn't been officially confirmed that there is white smoke. However, as the elders approach the house holding hands there is little doubt that food should be brought to the table. The family bond has just been strengthened; family has expanded.

Once all resume their seats in the house, food is brought to the table in large bowls and mugs. There is the traditional brown ugali, ochuri (a thick dark green porridge-like substance drawn from the absorbed food in the intestines), nyama choma, chinsaga(polular traditional vegetables), sour milk, chapati among others. This is why those with insatiable appetites have to be forewarned not to embarrass their side - self control is invaluable here.

Soon short speeches are given and are generally directed at the in-laws. The ceremony is certainly approaching the end as the sun has started making its final trip in the sky. The ceremony will not be complete without basinfuls of mandazi and giant flasks of tea.

The ceremony is almost done. It started with the arrival of the visitors in an entourage of four cars. A Toyota probox, two NZEs and a Funcargo. The dust raised by their triumphant entry swung the whole village into this normally quiet homestead. This village is used to bodaboda motorcycles raising dust;not a convoy of cars.

As soon as the vehicles find their way into the homestead, there are young men on hand to direct the drivers to parking spots. The hosts come out to receive the visitors without any introduction taking place.

Soon the two parties converge in the main family house. A prayer is said. The visitors are directed to one side to sit as the hosts sit in the opposite direction facing them. The hosts sit towards the door.

The spokesman from the host family(it's normally a man) takes the floor and officially welcomes the visitors then proceeds to give a detailed introduction of the family. He briefly talks about the clan then dwells on the lineage of the family. He extols family virtues like hardwork and peaceful. This is purposeful to prove to the visitors that their daughter is getting married to a good family. It also helps to determine whether the two clans can intermarry.

The guest spokesman takes cue and does the same for his side. Refreshments are served and soon afterwards the elders beckon each other outside. They converge under a tree and the animals to be given as dowry are brought and tied at a close spot whey they can see them.

The negotiation takes the form of an ordinary market haggling for a commodity with each side trying to outwit the other. It's after they reach common ground that they return to the house to share a meal. They are now in the last stage and the animals have been untied.

Branches from an indigenous tree called omosabakwa are brought and given to the elders handing over the dowry. They gently tap the cows with the branches then hand them to the ones taking the cows. This signifies that the cows have been handed over and received in good faith.

As the cows are driven out of the compound, one by one the villagers troop out fully satisfied that they have added another jewel to their midst.