Kenyan businessman and social media personality Jimal Rohosafi has sparked a conversation about financial responsibilities in relationships following a viral interview with TikToker Alma Mutheu. In the interview, Alma expressed her frustration with her boyfriend, Gift Muziq, for failing to meet her financial needs, highlighting a broader issue faced by many women in Kenya who are often the primary breadwinners in relationships. Rohosafi’s candid remarks about gender roles in relationships have resonated widely, prompting discussions on the pressures and expectations placed on women in romantic partnerships.
Alma Mutheu’s Frustrations with Gift Muziq
Alma Mutheu’s interview with radio host Oga Obinna opened a window into her personal struggles with Gift Muziq, a musician, revealing a common challenge faced by many women being the primary provider in a relationship. In the interview, Alma shared how she met Gift while she was still an influencer and fell in love with him. Despite the love she felt for him, she admitted to being the main provider in their relationship, covering expenses and shouldering household responsibilities. This situation reached a breaking point for Alma as financial tensions began to affect their relationship.
“I met Gift while I was still an influencer. Love won. Many people advised me to leave him, but I loved him. He is my man, so I decided to give him a chance,” Alma said. However, as their relationship progressed, financial issues became a recurring source of arguments. Alma disclosed that they agreed to cost-sharing for household expenses, with Gift contributing occasionally by buying food or other necessities. Despite these efforts, Alma expressed her desire for more support, stating, “You cannot stay with someone for two years and still be providing as a woman. As a woman, I want to be taken care of.”
Alma’s frustration with Gift highlighted a broader issue of women in Kenya often being burdened with financial responsibilities in relationships. Many endure financially dependent partners to maintain appearances or due to societal pressures. Jimal Rohosafi echoed this sentiment in his remarks, supporting Alma’s candidness about the situation and urging men to take responsibility for their financial roles in relationships. “Mambo ya wanaume kuwekwa si geni jijini. I support Alma. Mwanume ni bills, not cost-sharing,” Rohosafi stated, emphasizing that men should be the primary financial providers, not just contributors to household expenses.
Rohosafi’s Perspective on Financial Responsibilities
Rohosafi’s comments struck a chord with many, particularly in a culture where financial roles in relationships are often blurred. He highlighted how many women in Kenya, including celebrities, often feel pressured to maintain a certain lifestyle by being financially independent while in relationships. “I know a lot of female celebrities here in Kenya wameweka wanaume in the name of brand and face, but deep down they are broken,” Rohosafi said, pointing out that these women might put on a facade of financial stability while secretly struggling.
His remarks encouraged men to be proactive in their financial roles, urging them to take on the responsibility of supporting their partners rather than relying on them for financial support. “It’s time for men to step up. It’s about providing, not cost-sharing. We need to take care of our women,” Rohosafi emphasized, stressing that true partnership should involve shared financial responsibilities, but with clear roles defined.
Gift Muziq’s Response and Support
Gift Muziq, in his defense, acknowledged Alma’s support and the drive she provided him. “People will talk, but no one knows where Alma and I have come from,” he said. “One thing I love about her is that she is very supportive. The fact that she pushes me is not something I take negatively.” This response, though conciliatory, also highlighted the complexities of relationships in which financial expectations are not always met. Gift’s acknowledgment of Alma’s role as a motivator suggested that while he may not be in a position to provide financially, her support in other ways was significant to him.
Oga Obinna’s Call for Understanding
Oga Obinna, the host of the interview, urged Kenyans not to judge Alma harshly for speaking her truth. He emphasized the importance of allowing people to share their experiences without condemnation, particularly when it involves sensitive topics like financial strain in relationships. “Do not be hard on Alma. She is sharing her truth about her man. They have been dating for two years, so she knows what she’s talking about,” Obinna stated. He encouraged people to listen and understand rather than criticize, suggesting that Alma’s experience could be a learning opportunity for many in similar situations.
