NAIROBI, May 28 2015 – The Narobian has reported that an East African lawyer is currently seeking Malia Obama’s hand in marriage, offering President Obama 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats.
According to the report, Kenyan lawyer Felix Kiprono claims that he is ready and willing to meet with Mr. Obama to discuss a deal whenever he is scheduled to come visit Kenya sometime in July, the news source says.
“I got interested in her in 2008. As a matter of fact, I haven’t dated anyone since and promise to be faithful to her. I have shared this with my family and they are willing to help me raise the bride price,” Kiprono said, according to the site.
The lawyer says that his love for Malia is true, and not just some infatuation.
“People might say I am after the family’s money, which is not the case. My love is real,” Kiprono insisted. “I am currently drafting a letter to Obama asking him to please have Malia accompany him for this trip. I hope the embassy will pass the letter to him. I will hand it over to the U.S. ambassador with whom we have interacted several times.”
Kiprono has also planned out the whole engagement event in hopes that President Obama does agree to him having Malia’s hand in marriage.
“If my request is granted, I will not resort to the cliché of popping champagne. Instead, I will surprise her with mursik, the traditional Kalenjin sour milk. As an indication that she is my queen, I will tie sinendet, which is a sacred plant, around her head,” he said.
“I will propose to her on a popular hill in Bureti near my father’s land, where leaders and warriors are usually crowned. The place is called Kapkatet, which means ‘victory,’” he said, adding, “Ours will be a simple life. I will teach Malia how to milk a cow, cook ugali and prepare mursik like any other Kalenjin woman.”
In many countries around the world, it is traditional for men to offer compensation to fathers in order to have their daughter’s hand in marriage. The tradition is a sign of respect to the family and is taken very seriously. So, while no one expects President Obama to give his daughter away during his trip to the continent, the gesture is an old tradition that is replicated around the world.
Tell us what you think? Was this a publicity stunt? Do you feel that women are objectified when compensation is offered in exchange for their hand in marriage?
