Former TV Presenter Ochieng Shares Regrets Over Marrying Rich 'Mubaba'

Nairobi (April 22, 2024) - Stella Brenda Ochieng, a former presenter on Ramogi TV, has opened up about her regrets in falling for and marrying a wealthy older man, dubbing him a "mubaba" - a Luo term referring to a wealthy married man who keeps young mistresses.

In a candid interview on Simy Kenya's Luo podcast, the 35-year-old mother of two narrated how she was swept off her feet by a 60-year-old man with deep pockets who promised her a life of opulence and financial security.

"I moved to Nairobi and married a 60-year-old man. I loved him. We stayed for two years but then we separated," Ochieng revealed, acknowledging that despite the significant age gap, she saw no issue at the time in her whirlwind romance with the much older, well-connected government official.  

According to Ochieng, the lure of being showered with expensive gifts and a lavish lifestyle made her fall deeper in love with her elderly husband. So strong was her infatuation that she didn't hesitate to quit her radio job when he asked her to become a housewife, as he promised to match her former salary in addition to providing for all her needs.

"I enjoyed the life of a princess. I lived in Nairobi's upscale Langata suburb and was chauffeured around," Ochieng recounted wistfully. "Things took a dramatic turn when he kicked me out of his house on November 23, 2018."

The former TV host narrated how even when she secured a job at Lolwe TV while pregnant with her husband's child, he demanded that she turn it down, offering to continue paying her the equivalent salary for a few months. However, Ochieng says her spouse soon stopped honoring the financial commitment, leaving her in a dire situation.

With no plan or financial resources after being kicked out, Ochieng and her two children had no choice but to move back in with her parents.

The presenter's regretful tale serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks and pitfalls of entering relationships with vastly older, wealthy partners solely for material gain. Her story has sparked conversations about gender dynamics, financial abuse, and the importance of maintaining independence within marriages.

As Ochieng looks to rebuild her life and career, her openness about her past misstep has drawn admiration from followers who see her as a strong woman unafraid to share harsh truths about the consequences of her choices.