A jaw-dropping story has recently gone viral online: Esther Wanjiru unknowingly married her biological uncle and lived with him as husband and wife for eight years. The shocking truth only came to light after her mother visited and revealed their blood relationship.
Esther was born in Kinangop, but after the death of her father, her family was forced to relocate to Nairobi when she was in Grade 4. Her mother had been chased away by her in-laws, leading to a life of hardship. Unable to continue her education due to financial struggles, Esther dropped out of school and eventually found work at a hotel in Naivasha.
While working there, she met a man whom she described as her perfect match. The two quickly moved in together and began living as husband and wife. Over the years, they were blessed with three children. Throughout their relationship, Esther never visited her family home, nor did her family visit her.
However, after the birth of her third child, Esther’s mother decided to pay her a visit. What she discovered left everyone stunned: Esther was unknowingly married to her own uncle. It turned out that Esther’s mother and her mother-in-law were close relatives, making Esther’s husband her biological uncle.
Given the cultural taboos surrounding such relationships in many Kenyan communities, the families advised the couple to separate immediately. Esther then moved to Nairobi with her three children to start a new chapter in her life.
Esther revealed that since their separation, she and her former husband have never seen or communicated with each other. She now advises young people to always involve their families when choosing a life partner to avoid such heartbreaking situations.
