Kenyan musician Kelvin Kioko, popularly known as Bahati, has publicly defended his decision to marry an older woman during a sit-down conversation with his wife, Diana Marua.
Speaking on her official YouTube vlog, the former gospel artiste shared his perspective on why spousal maturity strengthens a relationship.
'Old is Gold' in Marriage
During a structured agree-or-disagree segment on the channel, Bahati addressed the dynamic of age within marital unions. He expressed his firm belief that older women bring deeper understanding and stability to a household.
"Marriage gets better with time,” Diana Marua told him to which he agreed instantly.
“Yes, even old is gold and that's why I love my women older," Bahati stated.
He further explained that long-term success in a relationship stems from shared growth and patience.
"Marriage gets better with time because you learn each other, you understand each other with time, you also have to make sure that you progress," Diana Marua added.
“Get yourself an older woman, you will enjoy,” Bahati said.
The 3-Year Difference and Public Backlash
Bahati and Diana Marua officially tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony in October 2017.
When news of their relationship first emerged, the pair faced widespread online scrutiny and social media backlash. Numerous critics openly questioned whether a marriage involving a younger man and an older woman could endure within a traditional African context.
Despite the initial public criticism, the couple has built a successful lifestyle brand, raised several children, and created a popular reality television show highlighting their daily life.
Bahati's marital choice directly departs from documented demographic patterns in Kenya and across the globe.
According to global population data from the Pew Research Center, men are older than their female partners in virtually every country. In Sub-Saharan Africa, spousal age gaps traditionally favour men, who are on average 6.6 years older than their wives.
In contrast, marriages where the wife is older than the husband account for fewer than 10 per cent of unions worldwide. Reports from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics similarly reflect a strong cultural pattern of men marrying younger women.
A Successful Example of Modern Marriage
By reflecting on his journey, Bahati highlighted his own relationship as evidence that unconventional unions can thrive. He emphasised that learning a partner's character requires time and open communication.
Today, the couple frequently uses their digital platforms to discuss marriage topics, financial planning, and parenting, offering an alternative model for young African couples.
