This marriage is potentially polygamous and a man may marry up to four wives provided he can take care and love them equally.

• Both the man and woman must be single at the time of the marriage. In other words, none of them should be any existing marriage which is recognised under the law.
• The man and woman must not have close blood relations with each other because they do, this will be incest which is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
• Both parties must be above 18 years of age. If they are below 21 but above 18 years, they must seek the consent of their parents or guardians to marry.

• The marriage is entered into by an offer and an acceptance, which is reached through the mutual consent of the husband or his representative and the guardian or representative of the bride in the presence of two witnesses, usually in a ceremonial gathering.
• The man and woman’s “wali” (a male trustee) and at least two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
• The ceremony is usually performed before a “mwalimu” either at home or in a mosque.