According to relatives, Oisso and his wife had lived together peacefully for about eight years before disagreements emerged following her decision to join a new church in their village.
Family members say the change marked the beginning of sustained pressure on Oisso to immediately formalise the marriage through dowry payment.
Relatives allege that the woman insisted the dowry be paid without delay, citing guidance she had received from her pastor.
She reportedly told family members that she had been advised that their marriage was not spiritually valid and could not attract blessings unless the dowry issue was resolved.
Oisso’s brother, Venchalivin Silayo, said the demands placed his sibling under immense stress.
“The pressure came suddenly and intensely. He was deeply troubled by the situation,” Silayo said, adding that the family was shocked by the turn of events.
Silayo criticised what he described as rigid religious counsel, urging people to exercise discernment when receiving guidance from places of worship.
“Not everything taught should be followed blindly. People must reflect and make informed decisions, especially when advice affects family stability,” he said.
He also expressed regret that his brother did not seek help from elders or family members during the dispute, noting that traditional mediation might have eased tensions.
A family friend claimed that the widow later admitted she had pressured her husband after being told that remaining in a marriage without dowry payment could block divine blessings.
The friend said the belief appeared to overwhelm Oisso, who struggled to cope with the expectations placed upon him.
The incident has sparked debate online, with mixed reactions from the public. While some commentators questioned why the dowry had not been paid earlier,
others called for greater responsibility among religious leaders when advising congregants on sensitive family matters.
Several voices urged pastors and spiritual leaders to approach marital issues with care, emphasising that each situation is unique and requires balanced guidance.
As the family prepares to lay Oisso to rest, relatives hope the tragedy will prompt broader reflection on mental wellbeing, domestic pressures and the influence of external advice on family relationships.
They have called on couples facing marital challenges to seek support from trusted family members, elders or professional counsellors before situations escalate.
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