Women Leaders Fault Matrimonial bill

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Matrimonial properties bill, NCCK

BY DAVID MUCHUI

Women leaders in Meru have termed the Matrimonial properties bill 2013 a step in the right direction but called for amendments to provide a level ground for both spouses.

Speaking during a seminar organized by National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Upper eastern NCCK Women Representative Salome Aketch said that it is unrealistic to quantify the contribution of women in marriage.

“We welcome the Matrimonial Properties bill 2013 because it provides the means of dividing property in the unfortunate event of dissolution of marriage.

However, clauses that require a spouse to quantify and prove their contribution should be removed. The contribution of the woman in marriage cannot be quantified,” Ms Aketch said.

The women further called for clear definition of the term spouse as used in the bill to avert controversies in the event of matrimonial property division.

“We would prefer that the word spouse be replaced with the words ‘husband or wife. This will avert controversies where extramarital affairs may have existed,” she said.

The women leaders also criticized the bill over the prenuptial clause which allows short-lived marriages saying it is against the principals of Christian marriage.

“The Christian marriage is to last ‘till death do part’. We are against any other arrangement such a prenuptial marriage. We urge Christians who are in customary marriage to Christianize them to protect the institution,” said the Women representative.

They called on women to engage in development and take up strategic positions in leadership to implement the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

“The Constitution has laid out progressive provisions on women rights. We advise all women to acquaint themselves with the law so as to ably fight for their rights. NCCK will be proactive in fighting against cultures and practices that demean women,” she said.

The Matrimonial Properties bill 2013 has received opposition from women countrywide as it requires property to be shared according to contribution upon dissolution of marriage.