NTV host and news anchor Janet Mbugua has criticised gospel singer Mercy Masika over her planned marriage masterclass for women, saying it overlooks violence and injustice affecting Kenyans.

Backlash online

Masika’s session is themed “Becoming a wife for every woman who believes that marriage should not be miserable”. It drew sharp online criticism, mostly from women questioning its message.

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Mbugua responded in a selfie-style TikTok video on @officialjanetmbugua. She captioned it: “A masterclass on marriage, but mute on the violence and injustice around us?”

Crises facing Kenya

Her first objection was context. She cited daily femicide cases, more than 200,000 teenage pregnancies, widespread defilement, and the deaths and disappearances of young people after the Reject Finance Bill protests.

“All of these stories make headlines, if not every day, at least every week. That’s what people are concerned about right now,” she said.

“A woman alone cannot save a marriage. It takes two.” NTV’s Janet Mbugua challenges Mercy Masika’s marriage masterclass.

Church silence

Her second objection targeted the church. Mbugua, who says she grew up in church, said religious institutions have largely been silent on extrajudicial killings and femicide.

“Having questions is not demonic or rebellion. It’s having genuine questions,” she said.

Burden on women

Her third point was about who carries the burden of saving a marriage. She asked why women are given that responsibility, with no equivalent guidance for men. She also criticised teachings urging women to “vumilia” (persevere) instead of seeking separation, divorce or counselling.

“In some denominations, it’s almost not an option to talk about separation or divorce or even counseling. Or the counseling is... maybe you as the woman are just asking too many questions,” she said.

“A masterclass on marriage, but mute on the violence and injustice around us?” Janet Mbugua takes on Mercy Masika.

“The pushback is valid”

Mbugua expects critics to be dismissed as bitter divorced women who oppose marriage. She insisted their concerns run deeper.

“A woman alone cannot save a marriage. It takes two. And right now, the masterclass should be how we can have a better, safer country and world where there’s equity, where there’s safety for men and women, where children are safe... The pushback is valid,” she said.

She also suggested redirecting church funds towards social halls where young people could learn business skills.