Women leaders in Kisumu have reacted angrily on the newly passed laws in Eritrea, which make it mandatory for men to marry two women.
Eritrea this week passed new marriage laws on mandatory polygamy. The laws compel men in the country to marry two wives.
According to a memo posted by the Eritrean government, any man or woman who will contest the law will be prosecuted.
Every man, according to the new legislation is required to marry at least two women and the man who refuses to do so shall be subjected to life imprisonment with hard labour.
On the other hand, a woman who will prevent her husband from marrying another wife shall also be punished by being sentenced to life imprisonment.
Nominated Member of the County Assembly, Lydia Odhiambo expressed dissatisfaction with the draconian legislation.
“Marriage is a choice and it is wrong to decide for anyone how many wives to accommodate unless government subsidises the social needs,” said Ms Odhiambo.
Her counterpart, Caroline Ogot, said in as much as the ratio between men and women is imbalanced, it is demeaning to charge women with such harsh penalties should they refuse to obey the law.
“Marriage is a matter involving mutual understanding, love and respect and when such laws are enacted, it pushes women behind and takes people back when it comes to gains made in women’s rights,” said Ms Ogot.
"They should instead campaign for intermarriages."