DENNIS ITUMBI opens up on why marriage isn't on his priority list despite pressure from parents to get a wife and settle - "Sio Lazima"

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - Head of Presidential Special Projects and the Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, has candidly shared his views on marriage.

Speaking in an interview with SPM Buzz, Itumbi revealed that he does not consider marriage a compulsory stage in life, insisting that it is more of a choice than an achievement.

“I am still thinking about the institution of marriage. I have my issues about it that I try to convince myself of,” he said.

“In my view, only three things are compulsory in life - being born, paying taxes, and being buried. Everything else, including marriage, is optional.”

Itumbi admitted that he has been in relationships before but remains unconvinced about committing to marriage.

He argued that society has culturally conditioned people to believe marriage is inevitable once one secures a job, yet he sees it differently.

“Marriage is a good thing, but sio lazima. It is not an achievement of life,” he emphasized.

He stated that, companionship and children - often cited as reasons to marry - can be found outside the institution.

“If the issue of marriage is children, you can get them without marriage.”

“If it’s companionship, you can get companionship without marriage.”

“I don’t see one compelling reason why marriage is compulsory,” he explained.

However, Itumbi did not completely shut the door on marriage.

He acknowledged that if it is God’s plan, he will embrace it.

“They say a good wife is a gift from God. My hands are open; when the gift comes, I will unwrap it,” he said with a chuckle.

Itumbi also revealed the pressure he faces from family, friends, and even villagers.

“Women from my village once told me, ‘All those development talks are good, but sasa tunataka kuzaliwa.’

“I told them, the one marriage assured for all of us will be in heaven,” he recounted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST