Media personality Ben Kitili has pushed back after online criticism over his marriage to Amina Mude, saying he will defend his family if anyone crosses the line.
The wedding drew attention because Kitili is Christian and Mude is Muslim, a detail that triggered hostile comments from some users online. One critic, Kadra Mohammed, attacked the union in strongly worded remarks that described the marriage as an insult to Islam and Somali culture.
Kitili answered the backlash by thanking Muslim and Somali supporters, especially those from Wajir, while telling detractors that they were free to hold their opinions. He added that any attempt to go beyond criticism and interfere with his family would be met with protection of his home.
TO ALL MY MUSLIM AND SOMALI BROTHERS AND SISTERS, ESPECIALLY MY SHEMEJIS FROM WAJIR; THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND GREAT RECEPTION.. TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT SO WELCOMING, WE FORGIVE YOU..YOU HAVE A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO YOUR OPINION..HOWEVER, SHOULD ANY OF YOU CROSS THE LINE AGAINST THE LAW – LIKE I SAID, I’LL PROTECT MY FAMILY WITH MY ALL.. IN MARRIAGE AS IN LIFE, GOD IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN RELIGION..GOD BLESS YOU.
He also described Mude as the “wife of my youth” and said he would love and protect her. In a separate message, he thanked people for their prayers and warm wishes after the wedding.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY WHEN I MARRIED THE WIFE OF MY YOUTH, WHO I PROMISE TO LOVE AND PROTECT WITH MY ALL..THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WARM WISHES AND PRAYERS..WE ARE HUMBLED.
The couple went ahead with the ceremony despite the criticism, with the wedding attended by family and friends.
