Address rising divorce cases, scholars told

Wajir kadhis court said more than 200 divorce cases were filed last year, while the 95 cases filed this year are still pending. (Courtesy)

Friday Bulletin

NAIROBI—The rising cases of divorce call for scholars to come out and address this matter, the Kadhi of Wajir said.

To safeguard the sanctity of the institution of marriage, Sheikh Athman Abdiwahab observed that high divorce rates is a big issue of concern to the community and it was prudent for scholars to urgently address the rising incidences of divorce cases.

The judicial officer noted that 70 per cent of the cases received at the Wajir Kadhi courts relates to divorce while figures in other courts also pointed to high divorce rates.

At the Wajir kadhis courts, he said more than 200 divorce cases were filed last year, while the 95 cases filed this year are still pending.

Sheikh Athman observed that marital breakups were a contributory factor to the growing number of school dropouts and poor education standards in the community.

He noted that once a couple separates, the family fabric is disconnected thus leading to children’s low concentration in their education due to lack of love and guidance.

The Kadhi advised couples to respect the institution of marriage and endeavour to give dialogue a chance in case of dispute and misunderstandings.

“In order to protect the welfare of children, the couple ought to engage in dialogue in case of disputes.

Give dialogue and education a chance instead of rushing to the Kadhi’s court seeking for divorce,’’ he pleaded.

He told parents to encourage their children to marry to preserve their modesty and strongly spoke against practices where parents reject suitable spouses for their children on the basis of tribe, clannism and financial backgrounds.