Army sergeant on trial for bigamy after 'marrying second bride in Kenya'

An army sergeant who allegedly married a second bride in Kenya is on trial for bigamy.

Sergeant Noa Dravikula claimed he “didn't understand what was happening” because the wedding service was in Swahili.

1

He was separated from his first wife but not officially divorced when he married Kenyan Kuki Wason in 2021. court warrior heard yesterday.

The matter only came to the ArmyAttention was drawn when Sergeant Dravikula tried to take Ms Wason back to Britain, prosecutors said.

Sergeant Dravikula, who denies the accusation, was posted to a training unit near Mt Kenya.

Bulford Military Court heard he 'began a relationship' with Ms Mason and married her Islamic ceremony at her home in October 2021.

Prosecutor Charlotte Adams said: “The marriage ceremony was a valid Kenyan marriage ceremony and he thereby committed bigamy while his first wife was still alive and not divorced.”

His first wife started parting procedure in 2017, but this had not yet been legally completed.

The second marriage to Mrs Wason was performed by an imam and two witnesses were present, the court heard.

A few months later, in February 2022, a 'heavily pregnant' Mrs Wason registered her marriage to Sergeant Dravikula, despite his absence.

Flt Lt Adams said Sgt Dravikula admitted he was not actually divorced but wanted to take Ms Mason to Britain.

In Britain, Sharia weddings, known as nikah, are only legally binding if they take place in a registered location.

The trial, expected to last three days, continues.