To ensure continuity of a household in the Kamba community married woman would marry another woman.
The kind of marriage is called 'Iweto' marriage which is contrary to Christian teachings on Monogamous marriage.
Iweto marriage happens in three instances:
1. If the couple is barren
Adoption in the olden days was not common and in such a situation the woman would find an unmarried woman with kids and marry her.
The kids would carry the husband's name live in the same compound as one family.
2. A married woman without a son
In the African culture, a man without a son was considered same as barren and in the Kamba community, a woman who hadn't bore a son had to find ways to appease his husband by finding a son that will carry his name.
The woman would either find a young woman with a son or sons carry the family's name.
The marriage was popular amongst wealthy families whereby the couples were more worried about who will inherit their wealth.
If the husband was fertile and willing, he would also sleep with the 'Iweto' to sire kids.
However, the culture is still practiced to date though rarely in some parts of Ukambani.
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