The recent episode of the That’s What She Said Vodcast titled “To Mother or Not to Mother” has sparked a significant debate on Kenyan social media.
The episode challenged traditional views on motherhood, arguing that women can lead fulfilling lives without having children.
The Childfree Choice: A Podcast Sparks National Debate
Dressed in a vibrant one-shoulder outfit, the podcaster delivered her views with confidence, arguing that women don’t have to follow the traditional path of motherhood to live fulfilling lives.
Her take struck a chord with some and struck a nerve with others, triggering a wave of comments ranging from supportive to hostile.
Watch the clip below:
A Growing Divide: Support vs. Tradition
Some netizens applauded KenyanSays for challenging societal norms, arguing that personal choices like having or not having children should not spark national uproar.
- @MbeyaBrian put it bluntly: “A lot of things on Twitter zinafaa tu uskize useme ‘oh really? Interesting. You do you’ and then you go on with life.”
- @Mkenyashupavu added: “Being bitter because someone decides to stay childless is odd… the bitterness is less about the choice itself and more about the implied sense of achievement.”
Some turned to scripture and culture to defend the belief that motherhood is a woman’s core purpose.
- @emwash245 argued: “The main reason a woman was made was 1. to be a helper 2. procreation…”
- @GeofreyBisonga echoed the sentiment: “People say they don’t want kids but they enjoy spending time with their siblings’ children…”
The contrast between the two types of choices
Beyond the Debate: Personal Attacks and Misconceptions
The discussion also veered into ugly territory, with some critics taking cheap shots at the host.
- @GatheruNyafaara claimed: “Madam you’re simply a lesbian… by the time reality catches up, your ovaries will be long gone.”
- @JacobOmondiOti added: “I don’t think it is her decision not to have kids. The lady destroyed her womb through womanisation.”
Such remarks reveal how women who step outside traditional expectations are often hit with stigma, mockery, or speculation about their private lives.
by geoffrey mbuthia
