This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Marriage is a highly regarded institution in Africa, with many people considering it a social obligation. However, for Kenyan musician Ondi Madete, marriage was a short-lived dream that ended in divorce at the age of 26.
Published on June 30, 2019, Ondi's story is a rare one in Kenya, where marriage is often seen as a lifelong commitment. In an interview, Ondi revealed that she got married at 22, after becoming pregnant on purpose to have a reason to stay with her then-boyfriend.
Without the consent of their families, Ondi and her ex-husband went to the Attorney General's Chambers and signed documents to make them husband and wife. However, their marriage was short-lived, and Ondi soon found herself regretting her decision.
As a feminist, Ondi believed that marriage was not necessary for two people to be together, and that it was often entered into for safety and the sake of children. She felt that she was doing more than her fair share of household chores and childcare, while her husband was not pulling his weight.
After two years of marriage, Ondi decided to divorce, using her knowledge of law to do so without harming either party. She has since gone back to her music career and is set to launch her first album this month.
