Janet Mbugua says fulfilment should not be tied only to marriage, children, careers, or religion.
Media personality Janet Mbugua has challenged Kenyans to rethink rigid cultural expectations, stressing that happiness does not always come from following traditional paths such as marriage, raising children, or pursuing conventional careers.
In a recent video, she reflected on the controversial phrase “marriage hubamba mafala” (loosely meaning “marriage excites fools”). While acknowledging its provocative nature, she noted that it highlights a key truth: marriage and similar life decisions are not for everyone.
Mbugua observed that society often celebrates education, career growth, family, and property ownership as ultimate achievements. While valuable, she argued these standards can feel restrictive for those who wish to pursue alternative routes.
For her, true fulfilment comes from living authentically, not from yielding to external expectations.
The former news anchor further emphasised the importance of tolerance and understanding.
“Not every choice will make sense to everyone, and it doesn’t have to,” she said.
She cautioned against using conventional milestones as universal yardsticks, warning that they can unfairly diminish people who walk different paths.
Her remarks reflect a wider generational change where younger people are redefining stability and happiness on their own terms. She urged society to replace judgment with understanding, saying diversity in choices strengthens communities.
