Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, recently shared his candid views on navigating relationship challenges, including infidelity, during an appearance on the popular “Obinna Show Live”.
The discussion offered significant insights into his perspectives on modern relationships.
The Question of Forgiveness
Addressing the direct question of whether one should forgive a cheating partner, MP Owino highlighted that the Bible acknowledges unfaithfulness as the sole grounds for divorce, yet simultaneously expresses a strong aversion to divorce itself, indicating an intention for relationships to endure.
“The Bible recognizes that the only condition, the only situation where you should divorce your wife or your husband is when one partner is unfaithful. At the same time, the Bible hates divorce. The Bible says that I think in Malachi that God doesn’t like divorce, which means the intention is for this relationship to work,” Owino asserted.
Owino explored various reactions to infidelity: some partners consider revenge, such as cheating back; others may choose to walk away; and some might opt for forgiveness.
However, he strongly advised against revenge, warning of potential negative consequences like contracting sexually transmitted diseases or even “sexually transmitted demons”, emphasising the spiritual dimension of such acts.
“Forgiveness is the only antibiotics without side effects.”
Owino presented forgiveness as a potent remedy for personal well-being. He described holding onto bitterness as swallowing poison that only harms oneself, likening an unforgiving person to a “dead body” carrying a burden.
He concluded that the decision to forgive ultimately depends from spouse to spouse, particularly on the depth of the relationship.
“You can choose also to forgive depending on how deep you have been into your relationship because forgiveness is the only antibiotics without side effects. Being bitter with your partner is like you are swallowing poison and you expect your partner to die,” he stated.
“You’re the one who feels bad about it. If you don’t forgive, you’re like a body walking in the streets. It’s a dead body. You are walking and you’re carrying a dead body on your back,” Babu Owino added.
The 80/20 Rule of Marriage
MP Owino introduced a unique concept for marital harmony: the “20/80% rule”. He argued that seeking a partner who embodies 100% perfection is a futile exercise, as everyone lacks something, albeit differently.
The solution, according to Owino, is for partners to complement each other, with one providing the missing 20% to complete the other, forming a whole.
“You know, as a man, you only have 80%. You lack 20% of what? Of all the qualities that should make a man. You are not perfect. You can’t be 100%. So, you lack 20%. So have your 80% look for the 20% in a partner, and it becomes 100%. You move on,” he advised.
Beyond Infidelity: Holistic Relationship Advice
The discussion extended to other common marital issues. Owino stressed the importance of financial planning to avoid “irritation,” which he labelled one of life’s “poisons”.
He suggested that men budget and provide money to their wives monthly to manage household expenses, advocating for adaptability in spending if finances are tight.
by moses sagwe
