Muka wa Ruto: Kimani Ichung'wah Ties the Knot (Again!) Behind Our Backs

The Hon. Anthony Kimani Ichung'wah, MGH, MP, Leader of the Majority Party and Member for Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County, in the disgraceful 13th Parliament of the Republic of Kenya, apparently got married (again) and didn't inform us. Maybe it's because he was being married, and not marrying. (For the uninitiated, consult an African for the subtle nuance.)

Ichung'wah is now going by the moniker "Muka wa Ruto" in his native Mount Kenya region.

"Muka wa Ruto" is a Kikuyu phrase that translates to "Ruto's wife" in English. In this context, it typically refers to Rachel Ruto, the wife of William Ruto, the President of Kenya. That is, until Kimani Ichung'wah threw his hat in the ring.

Like a dutiful African wife, Ichung'wah is going all out, of his way even, to make his new husband happy at the expense of any and many.

The role of a dutiful African wife, as traditionally perceived, is deeply rooted in cultural norms and societal expectations that vary across different African communities, but the commonalities are constant.

These roles, often influenced by patriarchal structures, encapsulate a blend of responsibilities and expectations that can shape a wife's daily life and her (his?) broader societal contributions.

Traditional Expectations Of a Dutiful African Wife

1. Homemaker: A significant part of the traditional role involves managing the household, which includes cooking, cleaning, and ensuring the home is a nurturing environment for the family.

2. Supportive Partner: Providing emotional and moral support to her (his?) husband is considered paramount. This extends to respecting his decisions and often prioritising his needs and ambitions.

3. Motherhood: Childbearing and rearing are central expectations. The wife is seen as the primary caregiver, responsible for the upbringing, education, and moral development of the children.

4. Economic Contributor: In many African cultures, wives also contribute to the family’s income through farming, trading, or engaging in small-scale businesses, balancing these duties with household responsibilities.

5. Cultural Custodian: Upholding and transmitting cultural values and traditions to the next generation is another crucial role. This includes participating in and organising cultural rituals and ceremonies.

Evolving Roles and Challenges

With changing societal dynamics, the role of the African wife is evolving. Modern influences, education, and economic changes are reshaping these traditional expectations:

1. Professional Engagement: Increasingly, African wives are pursuing careers and education, thereby contributing significantly to the formal economy and holding positions of influence and leadership.

2. Advocacy and Activism: Many African wives are becoming vocal advocates for women's rights, challenging patriarchal norms, and pushing for gender equality in various sectors.

3. Balancing Dual Roles: The modern African wife often juggles professional and traditional roles, navigating the pressures of career ambitions while managing household responsibilities.

The concept of a dutiful African wife is multifaceted and continuously evolving. While traditional roles emphasise homemaking, support, and cultural preservation, modern influences are broadening these expectations, allowing for greater personal and professional growth.

This evolution highlights the resilience and adaptability of African wives as they navigate the complexities of contemporary life, often striving to strike a balance between tradition and modernity.

Is Kimani Ichung'wah fulfilling (or exceeding expectations) in his new role as Muka wa Ruto? And where is he falling short? You be the judge.

Are you seeing what Muka Wa Ruto is doing behind there? 😭😭😂