Kenyan musician Bien has responded to a controversial remark by Ronoh who had suggested that marriage is like “hubamba mafala,” an expression implying that it is worthless or a burden by emphasising that marriage is instead a journey that couples grow through together, and “at the end you will truly appreciate the marriage journey.”
Bien’s remarks, made during a recent interview, sought to counter the negativity of Ronoh’s statement and to affirm the value, effort, and growth inherent in marital relationships.
In his response, Bien acknowledged that marriage can involve difficult times, trials, and misunderstandings, but urged couples to view these not as failures but as opportunities for growth.
“Oeni, marriage is a journey… At the end you will truly appreciate the marriage journey,” he said, using the local greeting “Oeni” to address his audience warmly.
He encouraged spouses to commit to patience, communication, and mutual respect, asserting that these are essential ingredients when navigating periods of difficulty.
Ronoh’s original “hubamba mafala” remark sparked widespread debate on social media and among viewers of his shows.
Some listeners agreed that marriage can feel taxing, especially when expectations are unmet; others felt the comment was disrespectful to the institution of marriage and dismissive of those who put in the effort to make it work.
They believe his message may help shift public conversations toward personal responsibility and empathy in relationships. As the controversy continues, many are watching how Ronoh will respond to Bien’s counterpoint.
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