Kenyan comedian, scriptwriter and digital creator Eddie Butita has shared his reaction after watching The Polygamist, saying he was deeply saddened by how women were treated in the programme.
Speaking in a video shared on his Instagram account, Butita said he almost cried while watching the show because of the way a character identified as Jonasi treated women.
He described the scenes as painful to watch and used the opportunity to speak about the importance of men treating women with respect.
“I just watched The Polygamist, and I feel like I almost cried, actually cried. That’s so sad to see how South African men are treating women.”
His remarks have since sparked discussions online, with social media users debating his views and sharing their own opinions about relationships and gender roles.
Butita calls for positive examples from men.
During his statement, Butita contrasted what he described as efforts by Kenyan men to build healthier relationships.
He said Kenyan men are trying to love, care for and respect their partners.
“While Kenyan men, we are trying to love our women with all our hearts, taking care of them, not playing them, not talking to other women, South African men are doing the bare minimum.”
Eddie Butita // Instagram
He added that he was surprised by what he had seen, saying he previously believed tensions in South Africa mainly involved foreigners, but was shocked to see issues affecting relationships within the country.
“I never knew that’s how they are. I only thought they had a problem with foreigners, but it seems they even have a problem with their girls.”
Online reactions emerge
Some users agreed with his message about respecting women and praised him for speaking against harmful behaviour.
S.a.n.k.a.l.e_edu:Kenyan men we are very loving and caring❤️
Hopekidhk:Ni sad sana …… ni sad sana
bg_films_studios:Someone has finally said it👏👏😂
Others cautioned against generalising an entire country’s men based on the actions portrayed in a television programme or the behaviour of individual characters.
Several users also shifted the discussion towards promoting healthy relationships regardless of nationality.
The wider conversation
The Polygamist has become a topic of discussion online because of its portrayal of relationships, marriage dynamics and the treatment of women.
Relationship-centred programmes often generate strong reactions because they reflect social issues that audiences can relate to or disagree with.
“We are the change that men should emulate. Kenyan men are the change that South African men should copy.”
Although Butita’s comments were based on his personal reaction to the programme, they have contributed to a broader conversation about respect, accountability and the role men play in building healthy relationships.
