Paying dowry is a sin - Rev Timothy Njoya

 Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya [Wilberforce Okwiri]

Retired PCEA minister Reverend Timothy Njoya is known for his bold approach to societal issues and his firm stance.

In an interview with Standard Entertainment, Njoya, 82, opined on the commercialization of the dowry process and what it has become in modern times.

The theologian said he does not believe in paying dowry because it creates a false sense of ownership.

"When you pay dowry, a woman instantly becomes a property. I did not pay dowry; it is a sin. It is the greatest sin to buy a person. Why are men not bought?"

"Dowry is not African culture...it is African wickedness. My mother rejected dowry from my paternal grandfather," he said.

Adding: "I cannot sell my daughters...even the married ones. I can never ask for a shilling. Women are not goods."

Looking back at how he brought up his children, he says he is proud of their individual accolades and the fact that they all have PhDs.

"My children have achieved all that they have by their own merit. They were brilliant enough and earned it. My daughter Wanjiru had a first class in her law degree and got Commonwealth scholarship to study in Britain."

"My children grew up in an environment of human rights and democracy."

With his wife's master's degree, Njoya says his entire family is like a faculty.

"When we are together we turn into a parliament, because we are in different disciplines, and we argue".

On April 7, Njoya turned 82, and he believes he has 58 more years to live.

"I have the genetic makeup to live 58 more years. My grandfather died at 110, and my mother at 104 years. One of my aunts died recently at 139 years. with all those genes and how well I eat and exercise, I am going to live for over 139 years," he laughs.

To achieve that, Njoya says his exercise routine is rope skipping, walking and sit-ups on top of a very healthy and balanced diet.