Why are Africa's 'sugar' relationships in the spotlight? | The Stream

The murder of a pregnant 26-year-old woman in southwestern Kenya has sparked an energetic debate over so-called ‘sugar’, ‘blesser’ or ‘sponsor’ relationships, both at home and across the African continent. Sharon Otieno, a second-year student at Rongo University, had allegedly been in a relationship with Okoth Obado, governor of Migori county, for several months. Otieno’s mother says her daughter was pregnant with Obado’s child and was doubtful he would support her. Otieno and a journalist from the Daily Nation newspaper arranged to meet Obado’s assistant to get Obado’s explanation, but they were abducted soon after meeting him. Although the journalist managed to escape, Sharon was driven away. Her body was found with multiple stab wounds on September 5. The case has highlighted the complexities - and outright risks - within consensual relationships where one party gives money or property to the other person in exchange for sex or companionship. In many cases, individuals enter such relationships in order to meet rent, tuition fees or to support their wider family. But there are a growing number of people who have transactional relationships with wealthy partners to pay for an aspirational, luxurious lifestyle that draws attention on social media. While some feminists argue that the person being sponsored has control over the terms of the relationship, others say such arrangements continue to grant most power in the hands of the wealthy sponsor. The Stream will examine the complexities, dynamics and social mores of transactional relationships - and consider whether such arrangements really can be equitable. Join the conversation. TWITTER: https://twitter.com/AJStream FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AJStream GOOGLE+: http://google.com/+TheStream Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe #aljazeeraenglish #aljazeeralive #sharonotieno