Babu Owino outlines issues that lead to marriage failure
By Valerian Khakayi, July 29, 2025Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, Paul Ongili, widely known as Babu Owino, has shared his perspectives on why some marriages struggle.
Babu, in an educative conversation with Oga Obinna on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, said that many people fear marriage or dismiss it as a scam because they have seen it fail, adding that not everyone’s union works.
He argued, however, that even those whose marriages are struggling can still turn things around if they choose to.
Additionally, the youthful MP noted that a number of factors often contribute to marriages breaking down, such as childhood trauma and unhealthy generational patterns, which research shows shape attachment styles, emotional regulation, and conflict patterns in adult relationships.
“People fear marriage, others say marriage is a scam and it does not work, to some it is not working, but to some it is working, but to those for whom marriage is not working for them, they can always make it work,’ Babu Owino shared.
“Most people who consider marriage as not working because of a number of factors, some of the factors that lead to marriage not working are such as the environment that you are in, as a person, the environment that you are brought up in from childhood, and your upbringing can affect your marriage because of the trauma.”
Owino also noted that social circles and external interference from in-laws, financial challenges and mental issues can destabilise a marriage and contribute to its breakdown.
“The social circles can lead to marriage going wrong, also there could be some historical issues, generational curses, or generational issues that can lead to marriage getting broken, matters in laws can lead to marriage getting broken or conflict in marriage,” he added.
“Financial issues can bring problems in marriage, and emotional and psychological issues can also bring problems in marriage. Grieving also brings conflict in marriage.”
Love and marriage
The parliamentarian further advised Kenyans to marry for love since a spouse is essentially a life partner.
“You should marry for love because this is a partner that you are having,” he advised.
Babu’s marriage
This comes after he opened up about the secret to his long-lasting marriage with his wife, Fridah Muthoni.
In a candid conversation with a local YouTuber on Thursday, July 25, 2025, the vocal MP shared that love, respect, and good communication have helped them stay together for 15 years.
“You should be intentional. You should know what a woman wants in marriage. The first thing a woman wants is appreciation. Appreciate your wife. The second thing is communication. How do you communicate with your wife? The third thing is spending time together. Presence. Don’t confuse presents with presence. Don’t just take gifts if you are not present. Be around.” Babu said.
“Every marriage must be anchored in prayer. Whenever a relationship between a wife/ husband and God fails, marriage fails. So anchor your marriage. Be very prayerful. Provide as well and provide emotionally. Women are emotional creatures, and if you want to handle a woman, handle her emotions.”
Owino’s love story began back in university. The couple met while they were both students at the University of Nairobi.