KTN News anchor and political editor Ben Kitili has dismissed criticism that followed his marriage to Amina Mude, a Muslim woman raised in Wajir.
The couple formalized their union on Friday, November 16, 2018, at the Attorney General’s office in Nairobi before holding a reception for close family and friends at Panari Hotel.
Kitili later addressed the online reaction on Twitter after some users objected to the interfaith marriage. In his message, he thanked supporters and told critics not to cross the line.
“A great day when I married the wife of my youth..thanks for your warm wishes.. To my Muslim/Somali brothers & sisters; thanks a lot.. To those who are not so receptive; it's your right as long as you dont cross the line..God is more important than religion..#WajirsFinest pic.twitter.com/FYPIs7Dx5p” — Ben Kitili (@Ben_Kitili)
His colleague Linda Oguttu also congratulated him online.
“Saw your love blossom over the years….Congratulations Partner……” — Lindah Oguttu (@lindahoguttu)
The marriage also triggered criticism from some social media users who argued that Muslim women should not marry outside the faith. One post described the union as “harram marriage or elegal marriage.”
“You condemn and not cong This is harram marriage or elegal marriage” — عبدالحق (@abdulha72784232)
Other users defended the couple and praised Kitili for standing by the relationship. Some framed the reaction as evidence of prejudice against interfaith unions.
“Hey @Ben_Kitili congratulations. Sasa if your folks chase my camels from Kitui, I will come for my sister!” — Mohamed Wehliye (@WehliyeMohamed)
“Congrats Ben!you're lucky?” — Basra Aden? (@bdunto6)
“Hongera! Wenye wivu wameze wembe! Only God is supreme! Religion is just a conveying belt!” — gedion oyawa (@gedion_oyawa)
“Congratulations @Ben_Kitili! indeed you've broken the artificial barriers; prejudices & stereotypes that have no place in our present society. You've confirmed that indeed, these Trumpish mentality that community X Can't get along with Community Y is obsolete & archaic. Enjoy bro pic.twitter.com/TVpXExSR4k” — Owino Kotieno™ (@owinokotieno)
The report noted that interfaith marriage remains a sensitive issue in some communities, and that under Islamic law Muslim women are not allowed to marry non-Muslims.
