- The challenges in their marriage began surfacing publicly in June 2021 when Sarah hinted at trouble through a cryptic social media post saying,
Sarah Mtalii, the Managing Director of Bonfire Adventures, recently opened up about the end of her marriage to Simon Kabu.She revealed that while she emotionally detached from the relationship in early 2022, it wasn’t until the end of 2024 that she physically left.
Speaking on Dr. Ofweneke’s podcast Lessons @30, Sarah shared her experience, explaining that many women often leave emotionally or mentally years before taking the final step of separation.
Sarah described how she had been “hanging on” in the marriage for over two years despite feeling disconnected.
Reflecting on this, she said, “I’m at peace now. Do I look like someone stressed out? As women, I’ve come to learn that we often leave emotionally or mentally two or three years before we physically step out. I left emotionally a long time ago but stayed physically, and I hear people saying I was just hanging on.”
She admitted that what kept her in the marriage between 2022 and 2024 was primarily her children and their shared business.
Growing up in a complete family, Sarah had always wanted the same for her children and felt it was important for both parents to be present in their lives.
However, she has since come to realize that creating a healthy environment for her kids is still possible after separation.
In addition to her family, their thriving business also played a significant role. Sarah revealed that she and Simon had to travel for work and maintain appearances despite their strained relationship.
“There were times when I was forced to go on ‘holidays’ for business purposes, and we would sleep in separate rooms or twin rooms. It was all for the sake of maintaining the business,” she disclosed.
The challenges in their marriage began surfacing publicly in June 2021 when Sarah hinted at trouble through a cryptic social media post saying,
“Already rehearsing to be a single mum of two lovely little angels.” This came amid concerns about Simon’s business associations, particularly with someone whose polygamous lifestyle she disapproved of. She posted, “Bad company ruins morals,” as a subtle warning.
The situation escalated in April 2022 when Sarah accused Simon of preventing her from seeing their children and highlighted unresolved issues in their marriage, including frustrations about his financial responsibilities to children from previous relationships.
The public fallout prompted Sarah to issue an apology, where she admitted she had spoken out in distress and promised to resolve their issues offline.
She wrote, “Sorry, my fam. When I was in distress, I said things I shouldn’t have said online. Life is a lesson, and we learn every day. Forgive me, Simon. Let’s sort our issues offline. All is well. Please keep us in prayers.”
Despite the turmoil, the couple announced in May 2022 that they were expecting another child. The announcement, shared through a playful Instagram video, came as a surprise to many given the publicized challenges in their relationship.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA
