A 45-year-old man from Bumula in Bungoma County has surrendered his wife, 46, to her 31-year-old lover after catching them engaging in sexual intercourse in his house on Monday, June 24.
Emmanuel Simiyu, who is in a polygamous marriage, says he found his wife, Emily Namalwa, absorbed in intimacy with Ignatius Wepakhulu at his matrimonial home in Bitobo Village early Monday.
Simiyu claims, until the shocking discovery, he had suspected his second wife of infidelity.
“I have been suspecting that the young man has been having an illicit affair with my wife. I caught them red-handed today morning (June 24),” Simiyu told K24 Digital.
According to Bitobo sub-location assistant chief, Reuben Kuloba, the aggrieved husband says he has forgiven the amorous pair, but on condition that Wepakhulu takes Emily as his wife.
“Emmanuel says he has forgiven Ignatius. The aggrieved husband, however, told Ignatius to go with his wife, Emily. Preachers have tried to intervene, but Emmanuel says he won’t change his mind,” said chief Kuloba.
Some of the clergymen requested to reconcile Emily and Emmanuel said they were in a dilemma, given the Bible advocates for different actions in the circumstance where a wife is caught cheating.
“The Bible teaches us that we should forgive our sinning brothers and sisters seventy times seven. At the same time, the teachings say a man can terminate his marriage if his wife cheats on him,” said one of the clergymen who spoke to K24 Digital.
The accused, Emily Namalwa, however, says she “did not intend to cheat on my husband”.
“My husband is polygamous, and his first wife had, previously, scalded me with hot water. It has been three years and three months since Emmanuel last helped me financially, or even called me on phone,” said Emily.
“I had to move around looking for menial jobs to raise money for upkeep and treatment, given I sustained serious burn wounds from his wife’s attack.
“I, however, acknowledge I made a mistake by allowing that young man in my matrimonial house.
“I am asking my husband to forgive me. It wasn’t in my plans to cheat on him,” pleaded Emily.
Emmanuel, nonetheless, maintained his ground, insisting that Emily leaves their matrimonial home.