“Usijaribu Kushika Sabuni”! Alex Mwakideu's Controversial Warning to Men

Radio presenter and YouTuber Alex Mwakideu has ignited widespread debate after sharing his firm views on household roles in marriage, particularly urging men to avoid domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry.

Speaking during a casual conversation with colleagues, Mwakideu argued that once a man gets married, he should not take on responsibilities traditionally associated with women.

His remarks, delivered in a candid and conversational tone, quickly made their way online—where they have since triggered strong reactions.

“Usijaribu Kushika Sabuni”

At the centre of the discussion is Mwakideu’s now-viral phrase: “Usijaribu kushika sabuni”—loosely translated as “Don’t even try to touch the soap.”

He used the phrase to emphasise what he sees as clear boundaries within a marriage, suggesting that activities like washing clothes or bending over a basin diminish a man’s role in the household.

According to him, maintaining these distinctions is part of preserving respect and structure within the home.

His Take on Support in Marriage

Mwakideu extended his argument to situations where a wife might be unwell, stating that even in such cases, men should avoid stepping in to handle chores directly.

Instead, he proposed leaning on extended family systems—a long-standing aspect of many African communities.

He suggested that relatives such as sisters, cousins, or other family members could step in to help, rather than shifting responsibilities within the marriage itself.

While he acknowledged that couples may occasionally perform such tasks together in a light-hearted or playful context, he maintained that making it a routine would, in his view, undermine a man’s position in the home.

Social Media Pushback and Divided Opinions

Unsurprisingly, the comments have drawn mixed—and often intense—reactions online.

Many netizens strongly disagreed with Mwakideu’s stance, arguing that it promotes unequal distribution of labour in modern relationships. Critics pointed out that shared responsibilities are increasingly seen as a foundation for healthy partnerships.

Others offered practical perspectives, suggesting that couples should invest in solutions like washing machines or domestic help to ease the burden, rather than assigning all tasks to one partner.

Some responses leaned into humour and sarcasm, with users joking that if men refuse to do chores, women should also reconsider contributing financially. Others quipped about men “outsourcing everything except opinions.”

However, a section of users defended Mwakideu, interpreting his remarks as a reflection of traditional values where men provide financially while women manage the home—though even some supporters acknowledged the need for balance.