A social media post by Senator Boni Khalwale quoting Kenya Times, which had featured a statement by Mercy Masai, has stirred widespread debate on X (formerly Twitter).
Masai claimed that polygamy "requires an insane level of masculinity and balance" that only a few men can attain.
The quote, amplified by Khalwale, reignited the long-standing conversation around polygamy in Kenya—an issue that continues to divide opinion across cultural, moral, and economic lines.
Dr. Khalwale, known for his unfiltered political commentary and personal experience as a polygamist, amplified the quote to his followers—many of whom wasted no time expressing strong and often conflicting views.
For many, the question of masculinity in relation to polygamy missed the real point. “Polygamy is just an excuse for adultery,” wrote @jkimonyi.
“If your first wife doesn’t satisfy you, neither will the second, third, or fourth.” Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that emotional and spiritual discipline, not the number of partners, is what defines true masculinity.
@NahashonKimemia framed the issue in more philosophical terms, tweeting, “Polygamy is for boys. A truly masculine man has control over his lust. Grown men commit to one cause.”
But many rejected the romanticised view of polygamy altogether, pointing to what they saw as the real driving force: money. @WSylvesterKaluo bluntly stated, “It’s all about material wealth. Your first wife might have loved you for who you are. The rest just want what you have.”
@Omegason was even more direct: “Polygamy needs money. Women will ignore your shortcomings if you're rich.”
Others ridiculed Mercy Masai for weighing in on the topic, questioning her qualifications to comment. “Now an unmarried woman is a thought leader on marriage?” wrote @chadbironga, while @TJ asked, “From what position is a woman speaking about masculinity and polygamy?”
Some interpreted Khalwale’s post as a thinly veiled attempt to attract Mercy Masai’s attention, with several commenters joking that she might soon join his household.
“Senator, even this one wants to join the queue,” joked @_Detar. Another added, “Congratulations to Mercy on her upcoming nuptials,” poking fun at the senator's known history with multiple partners.
A few commenters tried to bring the conversation back to the cultural and religious context, with @AbuuBanaat stating, “No prophet in the Bible or Quran had only one wife.”
But others dismissed these arguments as outdated and irrelevant to modern economic realities. @IamMwirigi cut to the chase: “Polygamy requires money and being a thug. That’s it.”
Interestingly, even supporters of polygamy acknowledged the challenges that come with it. @justiceIBRAHIMM said, “Being a disciplined polygamous man requires survival decency… marriage should be about companionship, not quick fixes.”
@DTovu17435 added, “Trying to get women from different backgrounds to live peacefully is one of the hardest things to do.”
But perhaps the most cynical take came from those who saw the conversation as a distraction from more pressing national issues.
@Karmaka18207069 wrote, “Healthcare is collapsing, education is in shambles—but we’re talking about someone’s marital status?”
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has often drawn attention online for proudly sharing the academic achievements of his children, sparking curiosity about the size of his family.
On numerous occasions, the senator has posted exam results, leading many to question how many children he has.
In a recent press conference, Khalwale confirmed he has four wives and 17 children. His first wife, the late Adelaide Khalwale, had three children with him.
Josephine Khalwale, his second wife, is the mother of three, Gloria Khalwale has eight children with him, and Diana Khalwale has three.
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