Kenyan gospel artiste Mercy Masika’s Becoming a Wife Masterclass has sparked controversy around the roles of women and sharing responsibility in marriage. Media personality Janet Mbugua has questioned the focus of the programme while content creator Kabi WaJesus has announced his own initiative.

The seven-part masterclass will take place between November 21 and December 12 2026. It will provide faith-based marriage advice for women. Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna has been confirmed as a guest speaker. The location and full list of other guest speakers have not been confirmed.

The controversy has centred around the focus on marriage advice for women and not men. Critics have also questioned why the programme is being held now when there are ongoing concerns around femicide, sexual violence and women’s safety in Kenya.

Masika has defended the programme, stating it is a Christian initiative to help create strong families. Supporters have also spoken out, including media personality Mashirima Kapombe, saying women should be able to seek marriage advice without being personally attacked.

Media personality Janet Mbugua has questioned the focus of the programme. She commented that when discussing marriage, women’s safety should also be considered. She also linked this to the ongoing conversations around femicide, sexual violence and missing women. She questioned why enough focus wasn’t being placed on these issues by religious platforms.

“So many of our people who have passed away asked for help. We should learn how to listen first before any masterclass.”

There has also been criticism around the programme focusing on women becoming better wives, but not men becoming better husbands. This is because marriage advice can often put too much pressure on women.

Actress Catherine Kamau (Kate Actress) commented that marriage shouldn’t be seen as the only big goal for women.

“We are not against marriage, marriage is a beautiful thing! But it is not the only thing women should aspire to. Hello we have degrees, title deeds, financial wellness, mental wellness etc! Stay guided.”

Other critics have questioned why the programme is focusing on wives. Rachel Gitau, who runs the Pika na Raych YouTube channel commented that both individuals should be open to learning and improving.

“As a married woman I believe marriage is a two-person thing. We all have things to learn. I want to learn how to be a better wife but I believe my husband should want to learn how to be a better husband.”

Masika has defended the masterclass, commenting in her Instagram comments section that the programme will focus on creating families and will be based around Christian values. She responded to a critic who commented that the programme should focus on empowering girls and teaching them about money management.

“Dearie we build families mainly for the Kingdom agenda. We want to teach about Kingdom mindset. We will be honoured to have you in this class and you will learn something.”

This highlights the programme is faith based.

Supporters have argued that women should be able to seek Christian marriage advice without being personally attacked. They also argue that this programme focusing on wives doesn’t mean that they can’t discuss issues like financial independence, gender based violence and holding men accountable.

Media personality Mashirima Kapombe has also defended Masika. She commented that if you disagree with the programme you shouldn’t personally attack the organiser.

“You cannot say you’re an advocate for women and women empowerment yet tear down another woman because you don’t agree with her initiative,” Kapombe wrote in a Facebook post.

She commented that this programme isn’t for everyone and if women don’t agree with the programme they don’t have to attend. This has shifted some of the debate around criticising the content of a public initiative versus attacking the individual.

Content creator Kabi WaJesus also commented on the debate and announced his own initiative called Becoming a Husband.

He commented in a statement posted online on October 26 that he agrees with the reaction to the Becoming a Wife programme and believes men should also be intentional about becoming better husbands.

“I agree with the conversations around @mercymasikamuguro’s Becoming A Wife Masterclass. As men we also need to be intentional about becoming better husbands,” he wrote.

He added that marriage requires effort from both individuals and that they should have a respectful discussion.

“Marriage works when both parties are open to learning, growing and putting in the work.”

His programme will provide advice on biblical marriage for men. The exact details of the programme, including dates, location and format have not been confirmed.

The controversy surrounding Masika’s announcement shows there are different opinions around preparing for marriage, faith based mentoring and expectations around gender in Kenya.

Supporters believe the masterclass will provide a great opportunity for women to discuss marriage from a Christian perspective. Critics want more focus on shared responsibility and the social issues faced by women.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that supporting marriage advice and gender based violence advocacy are conflicting issues but highlights what issues are being focused on and how responsibility is shared.

Masika’s programme is still going ahead between November 21 and December 12 2026. Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna has been confirmed as a speaker. The debate has centred around what women should be taught about marriage and why men should be given the same advice.