Transformation Of Marriage Practices Among The Abagusii Of Kenya, 1911-2014

Abstract

This study sought to interrogate various transformations which have been taking place in the institution of marriage between 1911 to 2014. It was guided by three objectives; To interrogate and document various traditional marriage practices of Abagusii by 1911, To establish transformations that took place in the institution of marriage among the Abagusii during the colonial period, 1911 -1962 and to examine transformations that have been taking place in practices related to the institution of marriage among the Abagusii during the post-independence period, 1963-2014. The Darwinian Evolutionary Theory of Change and the Theory of Social Change and Modernity guided the study. A historical research design was utilized. The target population was men and women in Gusiiland who were above 70 years. A sample of 30 respondents who were obtained through stratified, purposive and snowballing sampling techniques was employed. They provided data through an interview guide. More data was obtained from existing literature and archival sources. Data which was obtained was subjected to qualitative analysis using NVivo software. This generated findings which were in line with the research objectives. To confirm and fortify the results, data from both primary and secondary sources was corroborated. The analysis found that; by 1911, Abagusii had well-choreographed marriage practices which safeguarded the identity, morality and sanity of omogusii. Settlers and missionaries attempted to do away with Abagusii marriage practices but during the colonial period, Abagusii retained most of them. Since Kenya’s independence, various social, economic and political changes have been taking place. These changes have led to gradual transformations of various practices related to the institution of marriage among the Abagusii. Some of the changes resulting from the transformations are to the detriment of the morality and integrity of Abagusii. The institution of marriage is still undergoing transformations. This study will be beneficial to the contemporary Abagusii community who have incorporated Christianity and have cast-off traditional practices which aided the community to conserve its moral values. The study recommends that, despite various societal changes, Abagusii need to preserve and adopt values within the institution of marriage which promote morality and stability of families and the community at large. The study concluded that marriage is a cardinal social institution that needs to be protected against alien culture which may injure the stability and morality of families among Abagusii.