Sarah Mtalii shares new reasons why she chose to leave her marriage
By Steve Ireri, May 10, 2026Businesswoman Sarah Mtalii has shared an emotional account of her journey toward self-acceptance, opening up about her life after marriage and the personal reflections that led to her decision to walk away from her relationship.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Sarah explained that coming to terms with being a single mother was not an easy process, noting that it took time for her to fully accept herself and her new reality.
“It took me time to think and fully accept myself as a single mother,” she said.
She revealed that her outlook on life is guided by what she calls the “7 Js,” a personal philosophy she uses to stay grounded and motivated through difficult moments. The first principle, she says, is Jipende, which focuses on self-love, while the second, Jiamini, encourages self-belief and confidence in one’s future.
“My advice to women going through difficulties is that I live by what I call the 7 Js. The first is Jipende, which means love yourself. The second is Jiamini, which is believing in yourself and your future,” she said.
Sarah added that the idea behind Jiamini is reflected in phrases like “Ipo siku,” symbolising hope and trust that success will come in time. She further explained that she strongly believes in herself and remains committed to personal growth.
“That’s why people say ‘Ipo Siku,’ because it’s about trusting that one day things will work out. I strongly believe in myself,” the businesswoman said,” Sarah shared.
Her third principle, Jituma, speaks to hard work and pushing oneself, while the fourth, Jibambe, focuses on enjoying life and building meaningful connections. She shared that she has found companionship in friends with similar life experiences, including travelling together, recently mentioning a girls’ trip to Thailand.
“The third is Jituma, which means working hard, and the fourth is Jibambe, which is about enjoying life and surrounding yourself with positive experiences. For example, I have friends in similar situations and we travel together, like my recent girls’ trip to Thailand,” she said.
Single motherhood
Sarah also touched on the emotional reality of single motherhood and separation, saying that while she once believed women should persevere in marriage at all costs, her perspective has since changed.
She noted that not all situations are meant to be endured, especially when personal safety and emotional well-being are at risk. According to her, some women suffer in silence within marriages, with painful experiences only becoming known after tragic outcomes.
“To those who feel I should have stayed in my marriage longer, I used to believe that too, that a woman should persevere to the end. But I have learned that not every situation is meant to be endured. Some situations put your life and peace at risk,” she said.
Reflecting on this, she emphasised that every situation is different and that staying in a harmful environment should not be glorified as strength.
“I believe in marriage deeply, but there are situations where you realise you have to choose yourself. Many women suffer in silence, and sometimes we only hear the truth when it is too late. I am single and I am also in the market,” she added.