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| Traditional Kikuyu dowry payment ceremony. [Photo Credit/traveldiscoverkenya.com] |
'Njaanuary' among many Kenyans, is a month that gives a snippet of how hell looks like ranging from dry weather, financial dryspell to mention but a few. Some even joke that 'Njaanuary' usually has extra 40 days over other typical 30-day-long months off the year.
It is, therefore, seen ironical that even after heavy spending during December festivities, the rich Kikuyu men still afford to settle their dowries in 'Njaanuary'.
So, why would these men opt for such a period of the year to show appreciation to their in-laws?
1. Gratitude is best expressed during scarcity
When you give someone something during their neediest moments, they will appreciate even more. And what other better time than 'Njaanuary' when they are sure not even the In-laws own children want to answer their calls even when they want to inform them that the cow they left expectant just delivered 'twin' bulls.
Kikuyu rich men would, therefore, want to pay dowry and get praises and ululations which they are known to treasure so much for doing so little in return for 'so much'.
2. To earn fame and prestige
It is common sense that if you want to stand out from the rest, you must strive to do things differently. If these rich men were to pay their dowries during the time when everybody else was doing so, recognition chances would be dismal.
Therefore, they have to distinguish themselves by not 'jumping with common spirits' as William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice play would have it.
3. To spend less yet to be seen to have spent a lot
Rich Kikuyu men are known to sparingly spend their wealth unlike what many people would expect them to do. By paying dowry on a 'dry' financial month like 'Njaanuary', these 'cunning' men are sure of real impact as everyone else including the in-laws, is in a season of scarcity and perhaps amid locust infestation.