President William Ruto has ignited a national debate after urging young Kenyans over the age of 25 to settle down and build families, rather than “hopping from one club to another.”
Speaking at the wedding of Budamba Mudavadi, son of Musalia Mudavadi, the Head of State criticised men who remain single, describing them as shirking responsibility.
“If you are a man enough, be man enough to marry the woman you love. Too many people run away from responsibility, claiming, ‘I like being single,’” Ruto said.
He added, “The truth is, they are not courageous enough to take their partner home and ask her to be their wife. I want to encourage the men here: be brave, marry the woman you love, build a family, and embrace responsibility.”
Ruto did not spare unmarried men above 25, quipping amid laughter from the guests, “To those of you who are over 25, get married. Stop club hopping.”
Known for his vocal support of family values and his recent frequent appearances at high-profile weddings, Ruto’s remarks provoked mixed reactions online.
Some supported his message, while others highlighted socioeconomic challenges facing young people.
“Get married with no job and no hope for a decent life; the only certainty is rising taxes. We cannot manage. Better to avoid marriage,” wrote Dexter Brian.
Evans Mulongo added, “You killed Linda Mama. When these wives conceive, where will they go? Most young people are jobless. NHIF is failing, SHA isn’t working. What then?”
This is not Ruto’s first call for marriage.
Weeks ago, at the wedding of Senator Allan Chesang and Chanel Kittony, he stressed that family is the cornerstone of Kenyan society.
“I want to encourage young people to marry and build families. Many avoid responsibility, thinking it’s fashionable to stay single — it’s not. Enjoying life without embracing responsibility is wrong,” Ruto said.