Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua is set to lead dowry negotiations for Mathira Member of Parliament (MP), Eric wa Mumbi, who is set to marry Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina.
Speaking on Inooro TV on April 17, Wa Mumbi disclosed that Gachagua was his preferred lead of the team that will go to Betty Maina’s family for the negotiations.
“Mathira (Constituency) has respectable men, the Deputy President will lead us when we go to Murang’a (Maina's home),” Wa Mumbi noted.
Earlier in the day, Wa Mumbi surprised the Woman Rep when he went down on one knee and popped the question, “Will you marry me?”
“And out of love, she said yes!” noted Wa Mumbi.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, her Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika, and Nominated Senator Veronica Maina witnessed the proposal.
“One day at a time sweet Jesus. He makes all things beautiful in his own time. Thanks my sisters for organising this wonderful surprise. My dear Eric, you rock!” Maina wrote after her proposal.
Interestingly, this will be the first time in Kenya’s history that two serving parliamentarians will tie the knot.
Maina’s dowry negotiators will include her family as well as Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro.
In March 2023, Nyoro revealed in jest that Wa Mumbi would not have it easy during the dowry negotiations arguing that the people of Murang’a wouldn’t let their daughter go easily.
The dowry negotiations will follow Kikuyu customs and traditions which demand that parents and elders of the fiancé and fiancée meet prior to the official wedding. The man is supposed to give dowry in livestock such as goats or cash to the woman’s family.
For Wa Mumbi and Maina, this is their second shot at love since both have been married before and come to the marriage with two children each.
