This archive report was first published on 28 July 2019.
Kenyan actor Martin Githinji's recent marriage to Ugandan Christine Kokueendera Lwanga has sparked a heated debate on why Kenyan men are increasingly opting for foreign women as spouses.
Published on August 28, 2018, Martin Githinji, a popular actor and presenter, tied the knot with his Ugandan sweetheart in a traditional ceremony, joining a growing list of high-profile Kenyan men who have married women from outside the country.
One such example is Sauti Sol's Polycarp Otieno, who married a Burundian woman earlier this year. The trend has led to a backlash against Kenyan women, with some accusing them of driving men to seek foreign partners due to their perceived 'sponsor mentality'.
Cyprian Nyakundi, a vocal social media personality, took to social media to express his views on the matter, stating that Kenyan women's sponsor mentality is the reason why Kenyan men prefer to get wives from outside the country.
However, Martin Githinji responded to Nyakundi's comments, urging him to exercise restraint and stop using insults. Githinji suggested that instead of attacking Kenyan women, Nyakundi should use a more gentle approach to address the issue.
"Thank you for your kind words to myself and my wife. Use the same gentle spirit to talk to other Kenyan women you feel have erred in their ways. The insults won't accomplish anything. There is a lesson yes but that's not the way to drum it. BE KIND. It won't cost you a thing. I respect and value all Kenyan women alike. If you feel they are flawed. Let's mitigate, not agitate," wrote Martin Githinji.
