Author: winnie mabel

Yes, some married men are like first born children when it comes to their wives. In many Kenyan households, married women- whether stay-at-home mums or working professionals- often find themselves shouldering an overwhelming amount of domestic labor, childcare and emotional support. Meanwhile, their husbands, though providers, rarely contribute beyond financial aspects. This dynamic has led many to argue that married men function more like “firstborn sons” than equal partners. A common complaint among wives is that their husbands expect to be catered to hand and foot- meals prepared, clothes cleaned and ironed and even small tasks like fetching a glass…

In Kenya, stories of mistresses, popularly known as “side chicks” or mpango wa kandos, are as common as the morning traffic. From whispered office rumors to full-blown social media exposés, extramarital affairs often end in scandal, heartbreak or even financial ruin. Yet, amidst the chaos, some women reach a turning point- a come-to-Jesus moment if you will- where they realize it’s time to leave. But how does one walk away from an affair with dignity intact, avoiding public shame and personal regret? In my opinion, the first step should be them acknowledging the truth. Many mistresses start off believing they…

Kenyan celebrities have mastered the art of soft life- designer clothes, luxury cars, lavish vacations and high-end lifestyles that scream wealth and success. But behind the glitz, some are drowning in debt, living beyond their means and eventually turning to their fans for financial rescue. This growing trend raises serious questions: Should Kenyans keep bailing out celebrities who fail to manage their finances? Is it clout-chasing or genuine financial mismanagement? And why do some celebs feel entitled to public sympathy when they fall into debt? Recently, the internet was on fire when Khalif Kairo, known for his flashy car dealership…

Today, clout is currency of social media use. Kenyan Millennials and Gen Z have found digital platforms to be a place for relief, justice and sometimes revenge. Families are no longer just dealing with their problems in hushed living rooms; instead, they are battling it out in the court of public opinion. From inheritance disputes to domestic squabbles, the internet has become a weapon- one that can cut both ways. While some hope for support or intervention, the reality is often messier, with unintended consequences that linger far beyond viral trends. We’ve seen this play out in high-profile family feuds…

“Manifesting” is a phrase often seen in comment sections when a social media user updates about their accomplishments including luxury purchases or going on trips and escapades- or have family additions and new jobs. Pop culture defines manifestation/manifesting as the belief that individuals can attract their desires- whether love, wealth, success or happiness- into reality through focused intention, positive thinking and visualization. Manifestation suggests that what you think about and believe in will eventually materialize in your life. This concept has been widely popularized by self-help books and amplified through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube where influencers…

Kenyan social media recently lit up with outrage after Betty Kyallo’s boyfriend, Charlie Jones, made remarks that many perceived as dismissive and condescending toward Mathare slums. His shock at the realities of one of Nairobi’s most well-known informal settlements reignited discussions about class privilege, ignorance and the disconnect between affluent Kenyans and the struggles of the urban poor. “Mathare, I appreciate the favor, but I’m NEVER coming back,” said Charlie Jones in part as he also described the area as having an unbearable stench, noting, “even the air stinks.” While some saw his reaction as proof of how out-of-touch certain…

Polygamy has long been woven into the cultural fabric of Kenya, often framed as a male privilege where one man takes multiple wives, building an empire of lineage and legacy. From political leaders to village elders, many men have embraced the practice, citing tradition, wealth and social status as justification. But as society evolves and gender roles shift, a bold question might emerge- what if the script was flipped? What if women, too, could openly take multiple husbands, dictating the terms of the relationship with the same authority that men have enjoyed for generations? Men-led polygamy, as commonly practiced, is…

Puntland’s recent success in combatting the Islamic State (IS) has drawn increasing international attention, shifting the focus from Somalia’s federal government to regional administrations that have demonstrated stronger governance and security measures. Puntland, a semi-autonomous State of Somalia, is currently led by President Saed Abdullahi Deni who is praised for showing strong political will and being proactive in engaging local communities to fight against extremism. While the Somali government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has long received substantial foreign aid, its struggles with internal conflicts and militant threats have raised doubts about its effectiveness. Puntland, on the other hand, has…

For centuries, Kenyan men have proudly embraced polygamy, building homes with multiple wives under the banner of tradition. But what if the script was flipped? What if a woman, like a queen with many thrones, had two, three or even four husbands? Picture this: Mama Njoroge, Mama Otieno and Mama Kiptoo… except, it’s the same woman. Would society cheer her on or would it suddenly become “immoral” and “unnatural”? Would our Kenyan Parliament be up in uproar considering how male dominated it is and are known for shooting down subjects favorable to women especially when it comes to matters relationships…

Life has taught us that older people tend to have more wisdom nuggets to share based on their age, lifetime experiences and lessons learnt. For Ms Adelle Onyango, one of Kenya’s renowned media personalities who is also a published author and film maker, her latest life lesson came from an interaction with her 3-year-old niece- an interaction that left a great impact on her and her healing journey. “So I’m a professional aunt. I have two nieces and a nephew and I love hanging out with them because it’s refreshing to see things from their lens. They see things in…