TikTok influencer Marylinda has opened up about her relationship with fellow content creator Rapho, revealing she was the first to say “I love you.”
Speaking during an SPM Buzz Quickfire session alongside her partner, Marylinda made the disclosure in her signature unapologetic style.
“I am the one who said I love you first, nilikufa?” she remarked, dismissing the idea that women should wait for men to make the first move.
Her bold confession drew laughter and reactions from fans online, with many praising her confidence while others debated traditional expectations in relationships.
Love in the Spotlight
Their partnership extends beyond entertainment, as they often use their platforms to address everyday relationship dynamics, challenging stereotypes in a humorous yet relatable way.
Marylinda and Rapho have steadily built a following on TikTok through joint skits and lifestyle content. Their chemistry, both on and off-screen, has made them one of the platform’s most recognisable young couples in Kenya.
For Marylinda, being outspoken is part of her persona. She often approaches sensitive topics with humour and blunt honesty, a style that has made her stand out in Kenya’s fast-growing influencer space.
Rapho, on the other hand, balances her energy with a more laid-back demeanour, creating a dynamic that resonates with their audience.
Challenging Gender Norms
Marylinda’s admission directly touches on a cultural norm where men are often expected to initiate declarations of love. By openly stating she took the lead, she flips the script on societal expectations.
Fans online were quick to weigh in: some praised her for normalising honesty and courage in relationships, while others insisted tradition should remain.
For Marylinda, however, the message was clear—expressing love first should not be seen as a weakness but as a sign of strength.
A Growing Influence
The couple’s popularity reflects TikTok’s growing role in shaping conversations around relationships and youth culture in Kenya.
Influencers like Marylinda and Rapho use humour and authenticity to engage audiences, often sparking discussions that go beyond entertainment.
Marylinda’s lighthearted yet defiant take on love declarations is one more example of how creators are reshaping perceptions and encouraging young people to embrace openness in matters of the heart.
At its core, Marylinda’s message was simple—love should not be bound by outdated expectations. Whether spoken first by a man or a woman, what matters most is that the feeling is genuine.
by judy mutinda
