Impotence is one of the worst problems a married man can face. This condition kills the man from within and if not rectified, he might die from stress and depression. The negativity attached to impotence and male ego forced Kamba elders to come up with ways to save the man from childlessness shame.
The Akamba allow an impotent man to choose a close relative to impregnate his wife. This agreement is done in secrecy so that the impotent man owns the resulting child. Neighbors and distant relatives are kept out of the deal to guard the man from unnecessary gossip and demeaning.
However, if the problem is with the woman, works of witchcraft come into play. The family will level the blame on a witch who is alleged to have ill motives against the couple.
It is worth noting that the African preference of the boy child is also present among the Akamba. Boys are preferred because they are responsible for sustaining the patrilineal culture. They are even allowed to have premarital sexual affairs but girls are warned against such acts.
Girls must maintain their purity while boys are given the freedom to prove their manhood after initiation.
You should note that this practice is not allowed among Christians. This has led to its substantial demise as Christianity continuous to penetrate Kamba Land.
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