A couple caused drama at the Githunguri bus terminus in Kiambu County as the man cried and begged his wife not to desert him. Onlookers flocked to the scene as the husband clutched on the estranged wife's bags while rolling on the floor.
On Monday, February 15, the woman alleged that she was fed up with the husband's claims that she was unfaithful. The infidelity accusations, she said, had tarnished her rapport in their estate and made her a laughing stock.
The woman who was identified as Waitherero had hired two boda boda riders to ferry her items from her marital home near the bus terminus. The riders accompanied her to the rental house where they packed her belongings.
Her husband caught wind of her plans and rushed to the terminus from work and begged her not to leave him. He seized the bags tied onto the bikes, threw them to the ground and ordered the riders to leave.
The man broke down and grabbed the wife's hand pleading with her to remain at home. He was also worried about losing the children.
"Leave me alone. I want to go. I am tired. Just let me leave," the woman shouted while attempting to free herself from the grasp.
The incident dragged on as the man tried to woo the wife to handle the matter amicably. Waitherero ordered the riders to pack her bags as she had already paid them their dues, prior to the saga unfolding.
A popular matatu tout at the stage, Evans Muchoki, advised the embattled husband to let the woman free as the issue might escalate into domestic violence. Muchoki said that the man might let his emotions blind his conscience and lead him into breaking the law.
"I also faced a similar situation a few years ago. I came home one day and found that my wife left. I hoped that she would return and I kept on waiting.
"I ended up waiting for two months. I was depressed, but it never broke me down. Nowadays, I see her with her new lover. I used to feel pain and anger and wanted to seek vengeance but I learnt to accept and move on.
According to the onlookers, Waitherero took her two children and left for Githiga, Kiambu County as the man watched helplessly.
Robert Burale, a motivational speaker and pastor, advises that marriage is something that two partners need to devote time to nurture and watch it grow. He added that marriage is a place where two imperfect people love each other perfectly and respect each other while understanding that it is a compromise.
Couples have to raise and solve issues without creating a stir. They can seek advice and counseling where they can be taught how to raise issues and accusations.
Snaida Ayub, a professional counsellor based in Nairobi added that the couple needed to take a break and let the heat settle before they attempt to reconcile. For those who go through heartbreaks and marital issues, she advises that they have to accept that the breakups occur. Individuals will go through shock, denial, pain and guilt with depression sinking in later on.
"After counseling, they can work through getting back together or separating. One can visit a professional counselor or church elders and even family and society elders who can solve the issues," she said.
Divorcing couples can also file for custody of their children in a court of law which will rule on how the parents will take care of the children. The court will also provide directions on how wealth can be divided.
