Editor,

I write to react to a letter that appeared in The New Times No 1945 of 27th-Oct-2009 by Gathoni Muoria titled ‘Wedding contributions should be optional’.

I find that Gathoni has a misunderstanding of the whole contributing phenomenon. First, traditionally, people used to contribute towards weddings, it’s not a recent thing. Back then, people used to contribute in the form of food, clothes and local brew  (Urwagwa).

But the new generation doesn’t want to be seen carrying a bunch of banana’s or a jerry can of local brew. People now pride themselves according to the amount of money they contribute.

Secondly, it doesn’t make any sense to get a loan to finance a wedding. Anyone you ask will tell that such an idea is ludicrous.

A loan should be used to finance an investment that brings in profits. With that process you get money to pay back the loan. When you get a loan for a wedding, what happens after the wedding? How will you repay the money?

Lastly, let me remind you of an African proverb that says "a child is raised by the whole community”. Here we believe that we are an active part of your wellbeing; that’s why when people getting married ask for help, they definitely know that they will also return the favor.

Besides, people decide what to contribute. Giving money is preferred because it provides many options to people who are going to contribute.

At the end of the day, you give what you have-a bunch of bananas, a jerry can of local brew or a dress for the bride. The choice is yours.

Karemera Dean
jeav202@yahoo.com