In a bold and emotional revelation, celebrated Kenyan media personality Dr Ofweneke has opened up about the downfall of his second marriage, attributing its collapse to his battle with alcoholism.
Speaking candidly in a heartfelt address in his show at Radio 47, Ofweneke admitted that his excessive drinking and absenteeism played a major role in tearing his marriage apart. “Second marriage failed because of one thing — alcohol. I was too much of a drunkard,” he confessed. “Nilikuwa nakunywa pombe sana, I’d come home late, hangovered, not spending time with my wife.”
In a rare moment of vulnerability, the comedian turned TV host didn’t shy away from taking personal responsibility, offering a sobering reflection to fellow men. “We cannot be walking around with failed marriages and families anymore. Somebody needs to talk,” he said, urging men to acknowledge their faults instead of shifting blame.
Ofweneke painted a vivid picture of his past lifestyle, recalling how even minor arguments at home would send him running to the club. “Ilitokea kitu kidogo, tumegombana, nakimbia dunda. Nakuja saa kumi na moja asubuhi na niko na pesa. Mimi si maskini… nilikuwa na pesa ya pombe na I was always drunk.”
He acknowledged that the problem grew worse when alcohol also began to affect his partner. “To be honest, wanawake hufanya kile wanaume wanafanya. Hata yeye pombe ikaanza kumlemea. We could not solve issues in a sober manner.”
Despite the pain, the comedian refused to paint his ex-partner as the villain. “Na yeye pia ako na makosa yake alifanya. Mimi siaibiki, I was wrong, I messed up, I’m not perfect,” he stated.
Ofweneke’s message goes beyond his personal story. It is a plea to Kenyan men to embrace honesty and accountability in relationships. “Can we stop lying, say the truth. When you say the truth, you start working on yourself, you start healing.”
As a parting shot, he called for change: “Hakuna vile mwanaume unalewa kila siku — it is wrong, my fellow men.”
By Linah Towett
