The Bukusu Customary Marriage

Abstract

This is a study of the Bukusu marriage as practised before contact with foreign cultures. It is based mainly on oral interviews supplemented by documentary evidence of scholars who have carried out fieldwork among Babukusu, in particular, and the other Luyia sub-groups, in general.

This study aims at understanding what Babukusu view as a proper definition of marriage. The importance of bridewealth presentation is also looked into.

Furthermore, the qualities that Babuku.s. u look for in a suitable partner for marriage as well as the importance of the laws of exogamy are similarly analysed.