Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has opened up about her marriage, revealing that she turned down dowry payments from her Zimbabwean husband, Magugu Mabona, when they tied the knot.
The outspoken legislator shared her views on social media while reacting to a viral video of a Nairobi lawyer reclaiming cows he had offered as dowry to his ex-wife — an incident that sparked heated debate online.
Millie stated that she does not believe dowry is necessary for a marriage to be valid, insisting that true commitment is shown through love and vows, not livestock or money.
“I rarely comment on people’s private lives, but I hope now you understand why I refused any dowry payment. When I love a man, the words ‘I love you and I commit to you’ are enough,” she explained.
The MP emphasized that marriage should be built on mutual respect and commitment, not traditional exchanges that assign a monetary value to women.
“Public vows already show commitment to one another. But equating my worth to cows is a no for me. I respect those who embrace that tradition, but it’s simply not my thing,” she added.
Millie further noted that if her marriage ever ended, she would not be obligated to return any livestock, privately or publicly, since none was paid in the first place.
Her stance contrasts with Luo cultural traditions, where part of the dowry — usually a goat and a cow — is kept by the bride’s family. The cow symbolizes that the woman was honourably married, while the goat represents the potential for reconciliation between families.
The MP’s comments came after the viral dowry saga involving a city lawyer, whose decision to involve bloggers and cameramen in reclaiming the animals drew widespread criticism.
The lawyer’s ex-wife later condemned his actions as “unnecessary and humiliating,” saying the stunt stripped the situation of the dignity their union once represented.