A shocked woman (Photo/entertainmentsa.co.za)
Sex between relatives is prohibited by most societies across the globe. However, there are circumstances when some Kenyan societies allow sex between relatives for cultural purposes.
A section of the Bukusu, a Luhya sub tribe, allows sex between an elder son and his younger stepmother. Such an arrangement is usually organized if a man dies and leaves behind a widow who is younger due to the polygamous family structure. The man’s elder son is allowed to inherit the young widow, his stepmother, and can sire children with the woman.
In other Luhya sub tribes like the Kabras, an aunt might mess with her nephew. The community usually uses a young aunt to confirm the fertility of their son. This happens if a man is old enough to marry but has never shown interest in the opposite sex. The aunt is instructed to use all techniques to arouse the affected man. If he positively responds to the sexual advances, the community will scout for a wife and force him to marry her. However, if he proves to have a biological defect the community opts for medication or leaving with the harsh reality.
These are few examples of allowed incest. However, most people have disowned these practices due to penetration of Christianity and modernization.