This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
On September 6, 2019, Dr. Fred Matiang'i made a reckless decision that could have far-reaching consequences for marriages in Kenya. He ordered men to spend two weekend days at home, a move that was met with widespread criticism.
As a staunch Christian, Dr. Matiang'i may not drink, but his joke about families bonding better if fathers spent an evening at home was tone-deaf. It's unlikely that he spends evenings at home, whether on duty or not, so why would he make such a grave joke?
The decree was a waste of time, and it's a good thing that none of our readers were affected. However, it's a stark reminder of the dangers of giving too much power to one person. Dr. Matiang'i's actions were akin to an autocratic boarding master of a high school.
Marriages are already fragile, and forcing men and women to live together can lead to friction. In the past, when men worked in town and women stayed in the village, marriages were more likely to succeed. The current trend of men and women living together has led to troubled marriages.
Dr. Matiang'i's mistake was a grave one, and most men will never forgive him. His actions were a recipe for disaster, and it's a good thing that he eventually retracted his decree.
