Polygamy, a topic often rooted in cultural intricacies, has become a central point of discussion in the central part of Kenya, with prominent figures openly embracing this marital arrangement.
Among these figures is the renowned musician Muigai Wa Njoroge, who, until recently, has been transparent about his polygamous union with two wives, Gladys Njeri and Queen Stacey.
However, the narrative took a different turn when Njeri, his first wife, publicly declared her decision to end the marriage, citing a prolonged and challenging battle that had taken a toll on her mental health.
This revelation provides insight into the complexities surrounding polygamous relationships and the personal struggles experienced by those involved.
Muigai Wa Njoroge has yet to comment on the issue.
John De’ Mathew
The late Kikuyu Benga maestro, John De’Mathew, died in a tragic road accident along Thika Super Highway in 2019.
He left behind a legacy of harmony between his two wives and is now at the center of a family feud over the distribution of his assets.
In August 2022, Carolyne De’Mathew, the second wife, brought to light a contentious land dispute within the family.
Alleging that the fence surrounding the house she shared with the late musician had been relocated, Carolyne voiced her concerns over the changes that seemed to threaten the sanctity of the residence where she had built a life with De’Mathew.
“The initial year, we were informed that my husband’s burial site was situated on someone else’s land. This very fence (indicating) marked my residence for five years, where I bore my son with De’Mathew. This gate I once used, it is no more,” she lamented.
The family discord escalated further when Carolyne disclosed in 2023 that Sarafina De’Mathew, the first wife, emerged victorious in a contentious inheritance case.
The dispute, which originated from differences over the allocation of De’Mathew’s earnings, reached a tipping point when Carolyne initiated her own YouTube channel.
Initially, both wives shared the proceeds derived from the late musician’s work.
However, Sarafina allegedly blocked Carolyne’s access to these earnings after the establishment of her YouTube channel.
Attempts at resolution through arbitrators and discussions proved futile, leading Carolyne to seek legal intervention, with the High Court now deliberating on whether her exclusion from inheriting De’Mathew’s properties is legally justified.
During the recent fourth anniversary of De’Mathew’s death, Carolyne shared fond memories of the late musician, describing him as soft-spoken.
Responding to a fan’s query on Facebook regarding the ongoing court case, Carolyne acknowledged the court’s decision.
“About the court, yes, she (Sarafina) won, and there’s always a winner and a loser.”
Muigai Wa Njoroge
During Muigai Wa Njoroge’s dowry payment for his second wife, the Bishop of Priesthood Fellowship Church, Pastor JJ, discussed the importance of communication within marriages.
He urged Kikuyu men to be open with their wives, even in cases where children are born outside the confines of wedlock.
Pastor JJ also shed light on Muigai Wa Njoroge’s journey as a renowned gospel singer, whose fame has often been associated with both musical controversies and his political inclinations.
Pastor JJ defended Muigai’s choice to embrace a polygamous marriage, urging people to withhold judgment and condemnation.
He emphasized that such decisions are made out of personal choices rather than inherent moral shortcomings.
“Before crucifying Muigai, most of these men you see here have more than seven wives, but they do not have the courage to show them to the public,” he said.
