Top 20 Worst Tribe To Marry In Kenya

When it comes to marriage, there are various factors that people consider before choosing a partner. One of the factors is the tribe or ethnicity of the potential partner.

In Kenya, a country with over 40 different tribes, some tribes are perceived to be better than others when it comes to marriage.

ATTENTION! Before delving into the list, it is important to note that this article is not meant to promote tribalism or discrimination. But It is simply a guide that highlights the challenges that one may face when marrying from certain tribes in Kenya.

In this article, we will explore the 20 worst tribes to marry in Kenya.

Reviews: Top 20 Worst Tribe To Marry In Kenya

1. Maasai Tribe.

Despite their unique culture, the Maasai are known to be highly patriarchal and may have rigid expectations for their wives.

The Maasai tribe is considered one of the worst tribes to marry in Kenya due to their strict marriage rules and customs. Firstly, the tribe practices female genital mutilation, which is illegal in Kenya and can lead to serious health complications.

Additionally, the tribe has strict rules on who can marry whom, with marriages often being arranged by parents and elders without considering the feelings of the individuals involved.

Furthermore, the tribe places a heavy emphasis on cattle, with the groom being required to pay a high bride price in the form of cattle. This can create financial strain and may lead to disputes within the marriage.

Therefore, it is important to carefully consider these factors before entering into a marriage with someone from the Maasai tribe.

Pros

  • Rich culture
  • Strong community
  • Deep traditions
  • Patriarchal society
  • Respect for elders
  • Close family ties
  • Traditional attire

Cons

  • Female genital mutilation
  • Arranged marriages
  • High bride price

2. Samburu Tribe  –

Similar to the Maasai, the Samburu also has a highly patriarchal society and may not be open to modern ideals of marriage.

The Samburu tribe is renowned for its strict marriage rules and customs in Kenya. To begin with, the tribe practices female circumcision, which is outlawed and can have dire health consequences.

Moreover, the tribe upholds strict marriage regulations, with individuals expected to marry within their clans and often being pledged at a tender age.

Furthermore, the tribe places great importance on cattle, with the groom being required to provide a substantial bride price in the form of livestock. This can cause financial strain and may lead to marital conflicts.

Despite these challenges, marrying someone from the Samburu tribe presents a rare opportunity to experience a distinct culture and a close-knit community. Nonetheless, it is crucial to assess these factors before entering into a union with a Samburu tribesperson.

3.Turkana Tribe – 

The Turkana tribe is also among the tribes in Kenya with strict marriage rules and customs. Firstly, the tribe practices a form of female circumcision, which is illegal in Kenya and can lead to severe health complications.

In addition, the tribe has strict regulations on marriage, with individuals expected to marry within their tribe and often through arranged marriages.

Moreover, the tribe places great importance on cattle, and the groom is required to pay a high bride price in the form of livestock.

This can cause financial strain and may lead to disputes within the marriage. Despite these challenges, marrying someone from the Turkana tribe offers a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to be part of a strong community.

However, it is vital to carefully consider these factors before entering into a marriage with someone from the Turkana tribe.

  1. Rendille – The Rendille are a small tribe that has traditionally practiced polygamy, which may not be suitable for everyone.
  2. Borana – The Borana are known to have a high prevalence of female genital mutilation, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  3. Somali – The Somali are known to have a conservative culture, which may clash with modern ideals of marriage.
  4. Oromo – The Oromo have a large population, but they are known to have a high divorce rate.
  5. Meru – The Meru are known to be highly materialistic, and this may put a strain on the family.
  6. Embu – The Embu are known to have a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  7. Kisii – The Kisii are known to have a high prevalence of domestic violence, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  8. Kuria – The Kuria are known to have a high prevalence of female genital mutilation, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  9. Kikuyu – The Kikuyu are known to be highly ambitious, which can put a strain on the family if the wife is not also highly ambitious.
  10. Luo – The Luo are known to have a high prevalence of infidelity, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  11. Kalenjin – The Kalenjin are known to have a high prevalence of alcoholism, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  12. Taita – The Taita are known to have a high prevalence of poverty, which may result in a lack of resources for the family.
  13. Giriama – The Giriama are known to have a high prevalence of single parenthood, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.

  14. Pokomo – The Pokomo are known to have a high prevalence of illiteracy, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.
  15. Swahili – The Swahili are known to have a highly patriarchal society, which may clash with modern ideals of marriage.
  16. Kamba – The Kamba are known to have a high prevalence of poverty, which may result in a lack of resources for the family.
  17. Luhya – The Luhya are known to have a high prevalence of infidelity, which can be a serious concern for potential wives.

 

Worst Tribe To Marry In Kenya FAQs

1. Is it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their tribe in Kenya?

Answer: Yes, discrimination based on tribe is illegal in Kenya and is punishable by law.

2. Can inter-tribal marriages work in Kenya?

Answer: Yes, inter-tribal marriages can work in Kenya if both parties are willing to communicate, compromise, and understand each other’s cultures.

3. Is it common to marry within one’s tribe in Kenya?

Answer: Yes, it is common to marry within one’s tribe in Kenya due to cultural and societal expectations.

4.What other factors should one consider when choosing a life partner in Kenya?

Answer: Other factors to consider include shared values, personality, education level, and financial stability.

5.Can marrying someone from a different tribe lead to cultural exchange and understanding?

Answer: Yes, marrying someone from a different tribe can lead to cultural exchange and understanding, which can enrich one’s life and broaden one’s perspective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tribe of a potential partner should not be the sole factor in deciding whether to marry them or not. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges that may arise when marrying someone from a different tribe in Kenya.

Communication, compromise, and understanding are key to overcoming these challenges and building a successful marriage.

John Munyiri

John Munyiri, a blogger at spoonyo.com, lives in South Coast Kenya.

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