TV host Joey Muthengi has dismissed reports linking her to footballer McDonald Mariga, saying the speculation grew from a simple description of him as a “nice guy” and “cool.”
In the interview, Muthengi said the reaction around the alleged romance had gone too far and insisted there was no hidden meaning in her remarks. “This story with Mariga has gotten out of control. The media started it, they perpetuated it and now they have ended it,” she said.
She also rejected claims that she was relocating to Milan, Italy because of a relationship. Muthengi said the move was tied to work and added plainly, “Actually I’m not dating.”
Asked whether she planned to marry, she gave a firm no and said marriage had never been part of her personal goals. She said it was not a requirement in life and should not be treated as one.
“That has never been something I wanted to do. Never ever. You can even ask my mother. Marriage is not for everyone. I don’t feel like it is a must. If it is not helping me wachana nayo.”
Muthengi also said past relationships had left her hurt and that she had made poor choices before. She said those experiences had made her more guarded and reinforced her view that she does not want to get married.
“I have been hurt a lot. I have chosen badly I cannot blame them, I love bad boys and I love hard. Now I Just keep my distance. I think that has also contributed to why I don’t ever want to get married.”
Separately, a family source said Mariga was not planning to marry Muthengi. The source said he was married to his mixed-race wife in Italy, that they have a daughter called Kenisha, and that a wedding in Spain was being planned for summer 2019.
“and Victor Wanyama is the best man.”
The report also noted that summer in Italy runs from Friday, 21 June to Monday, 23 September, which would place any wedding within that period if the plans went ahead.
The original interview and related claims were circulating in 2017 and 2018, while the wedding plan mentioned by the source was said to be for 2019.
