Maina Kageni, a popular presenter on Classic 105 FM, has sparked a fresh conversation about the relevance of marriage in the modern world. During his morning show, Kageni shared his views alongside co-host Mwalimu King’ang’i.
Recent comments from Pastor Elizabeth Mokoro inspired the discussion.
The pastor’s message was direct. She stated that marriage is not designed for the happiness of the couple. Instead, she argued that marriage is for the happiness of the children.
Kageni expressed strong agreement with this view. He suggested that it is time for people to stop pretending in public.
"Marriage is not for happiness. If you want to be happy, remain single." — Pastor Elizabeth Mokoro.
An Evolving Institution
Kageni noted that the institution of marriage has changed significantly over the last decade. He observed that many couples are deeply unhappy. He claimed that many people put on a "brave face" while struggling behind closed doors.
“Do you know I have always thought and especially in the last 10 years or so, that marriage – the institution has evolved. It’s not what it used to be with our folks. People are so unhappy in marriages, but they put on a brave face out there,” he argued.
The presenter highlighted the personal freedom he enjoys as a single man. He described the ability to make spontaneous decisions without seeking permission.
For instance, he mentioned deciding to travel to the United States on short notice. He compared this freedom to the "handcuffs" of a traditional marriage.
“Me, you can never put those things on me. Do you know how many times I’ve come to work in the morning and by around 9AM, I decide I will go to America that night. And I go. And I have fun. And then I come back… I like that freedom.”
The Financial and Emotional Cost
Kageni questioned why people put so much effort into the wedding process. He spoke about the "strength" required to organise wedding committees and attend counselling sessions with pastors.
He also questioned the logic of spending large sums of money on a single day.
“I don’t even understand where people get the strength to get married. How do you even have the strength to put a committee together? I see no sense for marriage whatsoever,” he added.
A Radical Proposal
During the broadcast, Kageni suggested a new way to handle legal unions. He proposed that marriage should be treated like a driving licence. He argued that it should be renewable every year. This, he suggested, would encourage people to behave better within the relationship.
"I think we really need to start thinking of it as an institution... if you made marriage renewable like a permit every year, people would behave."
