Mary Biketi, the partner of Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya, recently opened up about her relationship with his other wives and how she handles public scrutiny. In a candid interview, Mary revealed that although she doesn’t involve them in her personal issues, there is a deep sense of mutual respect between them.
According to Mary, she chooses to stay away from unnecessary drama and values the peaceful coexistence they’ve maintained. She emphasized that she holds Oparanya’s wives in high regard and sees no reason to create tension. “Honestly, those are women I respect so much, and I would not want to drag them into my issues,” she said.
When asked if she would recommend polygamous relationships to other women, Mary was quick to clarify that such decisions are deeply personal. She acknowledged that while her experience has been smooth so far, not every woman might be able to handle the dynamics of a polygamous setup. “We are all different. Some people have the heart to endure, and others don’t. So if you don’t have the heart for it, don’t get into it,” she advised.
Mary also addressed critics who believe she is in the relationship for material gain. She refuted the claims and asserted that her achievements and independence are the results of her own hard work. She noted that while her partner supports her, he does not fund her initiatives. She runs her own organization and finances it herself, a point she made to counter the notion that she’s dependent on Oparanya.
She further shared that people often underestimate her capabilities and attribute her success solely to her partner. Mary said she reads online comments and has seen people claim she wouldn’t have accomplished much without him. She’s even been told that she’s dating someone old enough to be her grandfather. But rather than letting the negativity affect her, she uses it to fuel her confidence. Mary stated that she knows her worth and has, at times, clapped back at critics without hesitation.
In a deeply emotional moment during the interview, Mary revealed that she lost her unborn baby last year. She was five months pregnant at the time. According to her, the miscarriage happened after photos of her and Oparanya were leaked online, triggering a wave of stress and public backlash. The emotional toll of the situation proved too much, leading to the tragic loss. Despite the heartache, she expressed gratitude to Oparanya for being by her side and supporting her through the difficult time.
Through all the challenges—public criticism, personal loss, and being in a polygamous relationship—Mary has remained resilient. Her story highlights the complexities of being in a high-profile relationship while trying to maintain independence and stay true to oneself.
