Maina Kageni has reignited debate about the role of marriage in modern society after sharing candid views during his morning show on Classic 105 alongside co-host Mwalimu King’ang’i.
The conversation was inspired by recent remarks from Pastor Elizabeth Mokoro, who argued that marriage is not necessarily designed for the happiness of the couple but rather for the wellbeing and stability of children.
“Marriage is not for happiness. If you want to be happy, remain single,” Pastor Mokoro said.
Maina strongly agreed with the statement, arguing that many people today are no longer honest about the realities of marriage.
Marriage has changed, says Maina
According to the veteran presenter, the institution of marriage has evolved significantly over the years and no longer resembles what previous generations experienced.
He claimed that many couples appear happy in public while privately struggling with dissatisfaction and emotional pressure.
“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 said.
Freedom over commitment
Maina also spoke about the personal freedom he enjoys as a single man, saying he values the ability to make spontaneous life decisions without needing approval from a partner.
To illustrate his point, he described instances where he has decided to travel abroad on short notice simply because he had the freedom to do so.
“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,” he explained.
He contrasted that lifestyle with what he described as the restrictions and responsibilities associated with marriage.
Questions about weddings and expectations
The radio host also questioned the amount of effort, planning, and money people invest in weddings and marriage ceremonies.
Maina wondered how couples manage the pressure of organising committees, attending counselling sessions, and financing expensive wedding celebrations.
“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 remarked.
A controversial proposal
In one of the more striking moments of the discussion, Maina suggested that marriage should perhaps operate more like a renewable permit or driving licence.
According to him, making marriages renewable every year could encourage couples to behave better and put more effort into maintaining healthy relationships.
“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,” he said.
His remarks have since sparked mixed reactions online, with some listeners agreeing that marriage dynamics have changed significantly in modern society, while others defended the institution and criticised Maina’s perspective as overly cynical.