Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top

Kenya

Judge wrong on sex between cousins, a section of Kenyans say

“Newborns with genetic disorders such as spina bifida or cystic fibrosis are more likely to be born of blood relatives because previously unexpressed recessive genes are more likely to appear,” she said.

The judge’s decision was made in an appeal after a woman took her nephew to court for sleeping with her daughter. He denied the allegation but was found guilty of incest in a lower court and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

In the ruling, the judge acknowledged that it is not illegal for cousins to marry or engage in sex depending on communities. Some communities allow sexual relationships between cousins while it is taboo in others.

“My understanding of the said section (Section 20(1) of the Sexual Offences Act) is that if any sexual act takes place between two cousins, it does not amount to incest within the meaning of the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act,” said Makau.

“This means it is permissible to have sex with a cousin,” the judge ruled.

Makau said the National Assembly did not leave out the clause on cousins by intention but by the fact that in some cultures in Kenya, like the Hindus and Muslims, sexual acts and marriage between cousins are allowed and not criminalised.

About The Author

Pages: 1 2

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News