Anna Kangombe was 18 years old when she married Lucien Mubumbyi.

Anna Kangombe was 18 years old when she married Lucien Mubumbyi. Both belong to the Masai people a large group that inhibits Kenya and parts of Tanzania. Lucien was age 41 when he married Anna, but she had no shame in marrying him. Her own family encouraged her to marry this successful farmer with four other wives. The family taught her that it was a high honor to be his fifth wife because it was a disgrace to be the only wife. This arrangement was set up before Anna was born while Lucien was age 23. At this age, Lucien gave Anna’s parents a gift that secured his marriage to Anna when she became of age. He had proven himself to the whole village to be a responsible person who successfully managed his farm. The community backed him 100%.

Discussion Forum Questions:

1. How do you feel about this story? Is polygamy morally justified or is it morally offensive as you use critical thinking and moral reasoning?

2. Are Africans morally misguided?

3. Why is polygamy sanctioned in Africa?