Radio presenter Nick Odhiambo has drawn mixed reactions online after saying he will not marry again, barely two years after a lavish traditional wedding to his partner, Annie Sumbeiywo, in April 2024.
The 44-year-old made the remarks on the AMTV Podcast, hosted by fellow broadcaster Alex Mwakideu. The conversation covered marriage, money and the loss of his children.
“I will never get married again, it’s too peaceful being unmarried,” Odhiambo said.
He argued that many women want to be married but not to be wives. He also claimed that marriage tends to strengthen a woman’s finances and weaken a man’s.
“The beginning of a woman’s financial stability is when they get married, but the beginning of a man’s financial downfall is when they get married,” he said.
The clip quickly sparked debate online. Many Kenyans asked whether the presenter was speaking from his own experience.
The koito ceremony
Odhiambo and Sumbeiywo exchanged vows in a traditional koito ceremony on Saturday, 13 April 2024.
Hundreds of guests attended. They included city lawyer and businessman Donald Kipkorir, who described Sumbeiywo as a close friend.
After the ceremony, Odhiambo shared a photo of Sumbeiywo on social media. He captioned it: “My queen aka Mrs. Odhiambo… Aka baby girl.”
The wedding followed his earlier, well-publicized relationship with Jane Mwai, with whom he has a daughter. That relationship ended in 2016 after assault allegations. Odhiambo has since spoken about the matter and expressed regret.
Personal losses
Odhiambo has spoken publicly about the loss of two children. In January 2019, he announced that he had lost an unborn son. In June 2021, a newborn son died three days after birth.
Resurfaced screenshot
Days after his April 2024 wedding, Odhiambo addressed a viral screenshot of an old text conversation.
He said it came from a group chat from about 10 years ago. It was meant as a joke, and the circulating image was cropped.
He said the screenshot led to many calls to his phone, which prompted him to respond.
“Mumesema mwanaume hawezi kaa happily married for more than 24hrs? Who hurt you,” he said.
Viewers ask about the couple’s status
The podcast episode has also prompted questions about Odhiambo’s marriage. Viewers left these comments on YouTube:
“Nick did a traditional wedding in 2024. Ama the expose on X about his wife’s previous life led to their separation?” – @Reine924
“So he divorced??? Ala!! Sikua na habari.” – @africangirl189
“What happened to Annie Sembeiyo?” – @Mdalasini
