Kenya’s late billionaire Chris Kirubi established himself as one of the most formidable forces in entrepreneurship and investment.
Until his death in 2021, Kirubi was celebrated for his sharp business acumen. Despite his financial muscles, his decision to remain unmarried following his 1999 divorce sparked widespread conversations among Kenyans.
Why Kirubi never remarried
During Kirubi’s appearances on interviews, the billionaire often described wedlock as a potential lifelong trap, rather than a romantic ideal. Living in a country where traditional values define identity, his unconventional views catalyzed vicious debate.
However, to cement his stance, the late billionaire opened up about his previous marriage, narrating how it fell apart after realising that he had fundamental differences with his wife.
According to Kirubi, this realisation informed his decision to divorce the wife, citing personal irreconcilable differences. Despite this separation, Kirubi continued to support his children.
Kirubi revealed that after separating from his wife in 1999, he started to thrive, especially diversifying his stakes at Centum Investments and Capital FM, two companies that he owned. Sharing his newfound freedom, Kirubi took to social media to express his mind.
“Unlike before, I now work until midnight without being bombarded by endless questions. I am happy to be single,” Kirubi said.
His most unconventional stance on marriage came just a year before passing away, where, speaking at the Churchill Show, he warned young Kenyans, especially men, to approach marriage with undivided caution.
“If you are a young man seeking to get into marriage, be very careful since you could end in enslavement,” he stated.
According to the prolific billionaire, marrying the wrong person was so dangerous since it could easily end up in a lifetime of misery and bondage. To emphasise his point, he juxtaposed his view with rare cases of marital success.
“However, if you marry a good woman, it is such a blessing,” he clarified.
Following his bold position, critics rushed to oppose him, claiming that he was advocating for an anti-marriage culture. However, those who aligned with his worldview applauded his honest and bold rebellion in a society where marriage is deemed a norm.
Nevertheless, the prolific businessman continued to adhere to his unorthodox philosophy of freedom over marital slavery.
