The bill, which amended existing legislation, was passed by parliament last month to formalise traditional practice regarding polygamy.

“Marriage is the voluntary union of a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous union,” the presidential statement stated, confirming the signing of the bill into law..

The initial bill had given a wife the right to first approve of the husband’s choice, but male members of parliament overcame party divisions to push through a text that dropped this clause.

When the bill was passed last month, female members of parliament stormed out of the session in fury after a heated debate.

The bill has been decried by many civil groups including National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK) and Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya).