Reverend Timothy Njoya, a retired minister from the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), is known for his bold and uncompromising stance on societal issues. In a recent interview, the 82-year-old theologian shared his views on the commercialisation of the dowry process and its modern interpretation.
Njoya expressed his opposition to the payment of dowry, citing that it creates a false sense of ownership over a woman. He believes that the act of paying for a bride reduces her to the status of property, which he describes as sinful. Njoya criticised the practice of dowry, stating that it is not part of African culture, but rather an African form of wickedness.
In a personal reflection, Njoya shared that his mother had refused dowry from his paternal grandfather. He also emphasised that he would never sell his daughters, even those who are married, and would never ask for payment for them. He passionately stated that women are not goods, and should not be treated as such.
Njoya takes pride in the accomplishments of his children, who have all achieved PhDs through their own merit. He attributes their success to their upbringing, which emphasised human rights and democracy. Njoya’s daughter, Wanjiru, earned a first-class degree in law and received a Commonwealth scholarship to study in Britain.
Njoya also shared that his wife has a master’s degree, and that his family functions like a faculty, with members from various disciplines who often engage in lively debates when they are together.
On his recent 82nd birthday, Njoya jokingly stated that he has 58 more years to live, as his grandfather lived to be 110 and his mother to 104. One of his aunts also lived to be 139 years old. Njoya attributes his longevity to his exercise routine, which includes rope skipping, walking, and sit-ups, as well as a healthy and balanced diet.