Kenyan lawyer and seasoned media personality Ken Mijungu has made a definitive stand against polygamy, despite being raised in a household with 21 children and three mothers.
Appearing on Dr Ofweneke’s Lessons at 30 podcast, the former news anchor reflected on a family tradition.
Mijungu grew up in a vast polygamous family. His father had three wives and fathered 21 children. This tradition of multiple wives spanned generations, as his grandfather had four wives. Despite this background, Mijungu has chosen a different path for his own life.
The Cycle Stops Here
While his ancestors embraced polygamy, Mijungu noted a significant shift in his generation. He revealed that out of his many siblings, none have followed their father's footsteps into polygamous unions.
For the journalist, the decision to remain monogamous is absolute. He made it clear that he does not intend to ever take a second wife.
“For me and polygamy from where I standnoit’s never going to happen in my life. I’m never going to have two wives never never.”
A Partnership of Sacrifice
Mijungu’s views on marriage are tied to his appreciation for the support a partner provides. He spoke about the hard work required to build a life and the importance of sharing that success with a single spouse. He highlighted that women often make immense sacrifices for their partners to succeed.
He believes that resources should be shared exclusively with the spouse who has supported his journey and vision.
“I believe we work so hard to spend the little that we get with people in our lives. These women sacrifice turns and turns for us to look good. My policy is, if you help me make the money you eat the money,” he stated.
He expressed that his focus is on spending his resources and time with the specific people who have been part of his journey. He believes that a dedicated partnership is more rewarding than spreading his attention across multiple households.
The lawyer also touched on the practical difficulties of managing a polygamous setup. He admitted that he lacks the specific temperament required to navigate the dynamics of having more than one wife.
He described himself as an impatient person who prefers a straightforward life.
“I don’t have the patience of handling two women man, it’s difficult”.
Mijungu even suggested that those who successfully manage multiple wives must possess a unique kind of spiritual wisdom and the grace. For him, the emotional and mental energy required is better spent elsewhere.
Polygamy in a Modern World
Addressing the broader social conversation, Mijungu compared polygamy to modern Western trends often discussed on social media. He argued that while society might discourage traditional polygamy, it is often a "lesser evil" compared to other emerging unions.
Ultimately, his stance remains rooted in his own need for peace and understanding. He concluded that he is currently in the "best place" of his life, having made decisions that align with his personal values and faith.
