This past weekend, popular Kenyan television couple Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla sparked a flurry of online reactions after engaging in a candid and lively debate on their relationship show, Bi Mswafari. The discussion, which unfolded in front of their audience, centered on the delicate topic of how some women treat their husbands’ parents poorly after marriage. As the conversation progressed, Lulu and Rashid’s differing perspectives on gender roles and relationships led to a heated but playful exchange that quickly went viral.
The debate began when Lulu, a renowned Swahili news anchor, shared her thoughts, saying, “Siku zote huwa tunasema wanaume ni viumbe dhaifu sana. Wanaweza danganyika haraka sana” (All the time, we say that men are very weak beings. They can be easily deceived). Rashid, not one to shy away from engaging with his wife on-air, immediately countered by asking, “Mwanamke hawezi danganyika?” (A woman cannot be deceived?). This sparked a spirited exchange, with Lulu holding her ground and expressing that as a mother, she is guided by her children’s needs above all else. She asserted, “Siwezi danganyika kama nina watoto. Watoto wangu will always come first” (I cannot be deceived if I have children. My children will always come first).
Lulu continued by emphasizing the crucial role of women in supporting men, suggesting that while men are traditionally seen as the “head” of the family, they are not invincible. “Wanume ni vichwa lakini vichwa vidhaifu. Sisi ndio shingo na ikitoka kichwa kinaanguka” (Men are the heads, but they are weak heads. We are the neck, and if it gets weak, the head will fall). Rashid, responding with a mix of humor and sincerity, quipped, “Na umekubali kuishi na kichwa dhaifu miaka hiyo yote?” (And you’ve agreed to live with a weak head all those years?).
This on-air banter between the couple was seen as both entertaining and insightful, offering a rare glimpse into the dynamics of their marriage. It also sparked a wide range of reactions from viewers on social media, with some praising the couple for their authenticity and others criticizing them for airing personal matters publicly.
Social Media Reactions
The debate quickly caught the attention of fans and followers on social media, where the clip was widely shared and discussed. One viewer, Henrycruz (@henrycruz949), commented, “This is where you know that a man has already lost his respect,” suggesting that Rashid’s willingness to engage in such a debate with his wife might be seen as a sign of weakness in traditional views.
On the other hand, Ligih (@Ian_Ligih) hinted at the complexities of workplace relationships, stating, “That’s why relationships are prohibited at work.” This comment reflects the broader conversation about professional boundaries and the challenges that can arise when personal and professional lives intersect.
Meanwhile, some fans, like Franklin Wafula (@FrankUtdRx), admired the couple’s ability to navigate their relationship without major public dramas, asking, “They never have dramas. What’s the secret?” Others, like Kate (@MissLingard14), found the exchange unacceptable, writing, “This is totally unacceptable,” likely alluding to the belief that such debates should be kept private.
For some, the debate struck a more humorous chord. Koech (@KenyaTwitt) jokingly remarked, “This is personal, hawa ni kama walianzia kwa nyumba 🤣” (This is personal, it’s like they started at home). EchoHaven™ (@Meltus25) also found the debate amusing, saying, “Naishaa mimi, Wacha nicheke kwanza😂😂” (I’m done, let me laugh first).
However, not all comments were light-hearted. Marlon K. (@Mongela_h) took a more cautionary stance, warning, “Weeh, fear women, daughters of Jezebel,” hinting at the age-old stereotype of women as manipulative.
Conclusion
The lively debate between Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla has clearly resonated with many, highlighting differing opinions on gender roles, relationships, and the dynamics of public and private lives. While some viewers appreciated the candidness and mature handling of sensitive topics, others felt uncomfortable with the personal nature of the conversation. Nonetheless, the exchange showcases the unique on-air chemistry of Lulu and Rashid, whose ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue continues to captivate their audience.
