Ruracio (Bride-Wealth) Payment Among The Agikuyu
Date
1998-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
This work, ruracio (bride-wealth) payment among the Agikuyu, is a study based
upon their understanding on the ruracio payment in their marriage rite. Marriage is a human
reality. So far as is known, it has been customary in all societies and part of human being
from the beginning.
As we have seen among the Agikuyu, marriage stands as the very centre of the
society. But it has taken many different forms in different times and places These forms,
naturally are closely related to the religious practices and other social customs of the
Agikuyu wherever they are in the Gikuyu land. Some of these differences found among
them include: a) the way in which people arrange a marriage. b) the ceremonies by which
they verify it. c) the obligation which marriage brings with it.
Many have been writing against the ruracio (bride-wealth) payment but, it is good
to know if their ideas have any impact to the people especially the young people who have
been caught in between the tradition culture and the western culture. We focused our
attention on Makuyu parish in Murang'a, which is one of the area occupied by the Agikuyu.
According to what we got from our research findings, most of the people showed
that ruracio still occupies a and plays a great role in the Agikuyu marriage. They showed
that more than ruracio bringing the two couples and two families together, it also act as a
condition for the validity and stability of their marriage. Majority were in favour of its
continuation
What we saw as an issue to be addressed is the amount to be offered. There is a habit
of commercialisation of ruracio by some individuals. Their suggestion which was also ours
was to see how this practise is going to be controlled so as to give the young people enough
place for their marriage. By controlling ruracio we shall avoid the exploitation and
manipulation of the young people especially those who are of low income.
What we should keep in mind is t' .at having the ruracio continuation is not enough,
but we should also see how we can sensitise the people and not only the parents but as well
as the young people. We should make use of the mass media, seminars, workshops and
counselling.
Description
Keywords
Bride price, gikuyu, Customary, family, Scriptures and bride price