NAIROBI, KENYA – Controversial Kenyan musician Wilson Abubakar Radido, popularly known as Willy Paul, has publicly stated his decision to never marry, citing deep-seated fears of infidelity and its severe impact on men's mental health. The remarks, made in a viral undated video clip on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (EAT), have placed the artist at the center of a heated debate about the state of modern relationships and societal expectations in Kenya.

“Kuoa mi sitaki kuoa, sitaki kuoa,” he declared emphatically in Swahili, which translates to “I don’t want to get married, I don’t want to get married.” Paul, ironically the creator of the hit wedding anthem “I Do” featuring Jamaican singer Alaine, explained his stance as an act of self-preservation rather than bitterness. He claimed to have witnessed men take their own lives after discovering their spouses' infidelity, stating that avoiding marriage is his way of protecting himself from similar potential emotional devastation.

A Reflection of a Broader Social Anxiety

Willy Paul's comments, while personal, tap into a wider societal anxiety surrounding marriage and fidelity in Kenya. His fears are not unfounded, as recent data highlights significant challenges within relationships. A 2023 study by Research & Insights Group revealed that 34% of married Kenyans admitted to cheating on their partners. Another survey in 2022 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) as part of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicated that 15% of men and 4% of women reported having two or more sexual partners in the preceding year.

These statistics paint a complex picture of marital trust. The KDHS report further detailed that men in Kenya have an average of seven sexual partners in their lifetime, compared to two for women. Such figures underscore the societal context behind the artist's concerns, which have resonated with a segment of the public who see his views as a realistic take on contemporary relationships.

The Link to Men's Mental Health

Crucially, the singer linked the fear of infidelity directly to severe mental health outcomes, including suicide. This connection is a critical, though often overlooked, aspect of public discourse in Kenya. Societal pressure on men to be stoic and resilient often prevents them from seeking help for mental health struggles. According to a 2022 KNBS report, more men in Kenya (56.9%) suffer from mental disorders than women (43.1%). Furthermore, relationship breakdowns are identified as significant triggers for mental health crises among men.

Counselling psychologist Daniel Kariuki, in a 2024 Nation Africa report, warned that work-related and domestic stress, if unaddressed, can lead men to lash out or suffer in silence, potentially damaging their mental health and marriages. Willy Paul’s statement, therefore, inadvertently highlights a dangerous reality where the emotional toll of betrayal can lead to tragic consequences, amplified by a culture that discourages male vulnerability.

A History of Shifting Views

This is not the first time the 32-year-old artist, who transitioned from gospel to secular music in 2018, has expressed apprehension about marriage. In past interviews, he has cited different reasons for his reluctance, including a fear that a flock of women from his past would disrupt a potential wedding ceremony. In 2019, he stated he didn't believe in love and that women were “difficult to deal with,” though he needed a partner. His latest pronouncement, however, is more specific in its focus on infidelity and mental wellness, suggesting an evolution in his perspective.

The artist, born in Mathare slums, has built a successful career since his breakthrough in 2010 with the song "Sitolia" alongside Gloria Muliro. As the CEO of Saldido International Entertainment, his influence extends beyond music, making his personal views a subject of significant public interest.

The National Conversation

The online reaction to Willy Paul's viral video has been sharply divided. Supporters have praised his honesty for voicing a difficult truth about the risks in modern relationships. Critics, however, argue that his views are overly pessimistic and generalize the experiences of many who are in successful, faithful marriages. This debate reflects the broader challenges facing celebrity marriages in Kenya, which are often subject to intense public scrutiny and unique pressures that mirror and magnify the issues faced by the general populace.

Regardless of public opinion, Willy Paul's declaration has successfully ignited a much-needed conversation. It forces a reflection on fidelity, the societal pressures tied to marriage, and the silent mental health crisis affecting many Kenyan men. His candid, albeit controversial, stance serves as a catalyst for discussing the emotional realities that many silently navigate in their personal lives.