Pastor James Ng’ang’a has strongly criticized men who cohabit with their partners without formalizing their unions through the payment of dowry. In a passionate sermon, he emphasized that dowry solidifies a marriage both spiritually and physically, making the union official in the eyes of both society and faith.
Addressing his congregation, Pastor Ng’ang’a did not hold back in calling out men who have not taken the step of paying dowry. He insisted that without this payment, a woman is not truly a wife but merely a companion. He stated that paying dowry offers spiritual and legal protection to the marriage, preventing it from being easily broken.
“If you have a wife but have not paid dowry, you are deceiving yourself. Do not call her your wife; she is simply staying with you. Once you pay dowry, she becomes yours both spiritually and physically, and no force can take her away. However, if you are merely pretending, your relationship has no foundation. True commitment is demonstrated by paying the required dowry,” he declared passionately.
The preacher further elaborated that having children together does not necessarily validate a marriage. According to him, children born outside of a formalized union do not establish the relationship as official, as couples often separate even after having children. In contrast, he argued that when dowry is paid, the union takes on a deeper societal and spiritual meaning, reinforcing the couple’s bond and commitment.
His remarks quickly ignited a debate online, drawing mixed reactions from various individuals. While some supported his perspective, others dismissed it as an outdated view that no longer holds relevance in modern society.
One social media user expressed amusement, sharing how they and their partner laughed at the idea because they have been together without dowry for years. Another individual, who has been married for two decades without dowry, lamented the situation and wished they had taken the step to formalize their marriage earlier.
Some commenters questioned the necessity of dowry in contemporary relationships, particularly for educated and financially independent women. One person argued that dowry is unnecessary for a woman who has built her career and is self-sufficient. They suggested that in modern times, marriage should be based on mutual love, respect, and commitment rather than traditional customs.
On the other hand, there were those who supported Pastor Ng’ang’a’s views, maintaining that failing to pay dowry could make the relationship unstable. They insisted that without this formal step, a woman remains unclaimed and the union can be easily dissolved. Others even joked that men who avoid paying dowry should not complain when their partners leave them.
While the debate over dowry continues, Pastor Ng’ang’a’s statements reinforced his well-known stance on traditional marriage customs. He has long been an advocate for structured unions, urging men to take responsibility and formalize their relationships through the proper cultural and spiritual channels.
In another instance, Pastor Ng’ang’a made headlines for his response to a woman named Milka Moraa, a struggling mother of two who sought his help after being evicted due to unpaid rent. Instead of assisting her, he advised her to seek help from law enforcement. His reaction drew criticism from the public, with many questioning his compassion and willingness to support those in need.
However, Moraa eventually found help through a charitable police officer who facilitated her access to a stable job and accommodation under a government housing project. This act of kindness from the officer contrasted sharply with Pastor Ng’ang’a’s response, further fueling public discourse about the role of religious leaders in supporting the less fortunate.
The issue of dowry remains a deeply rooted cultural practice in many societies, with differing opinions on its significance. While some view it as a meaningful tradition that strengthens marriage, others see it as an outdated custom that no longer aligns with modern values. Pastor Ng’ang’a’s sermon has reignited this conversation, prompting people to reflect on the relevance of dowry in today’s world.
