Recently, gospel singer and preacher Linet Munyali, alias Size 8 broke the internet when she announced the end of her 11 years’ marriage with her husband Dj Mo.
Size 8 took to her Instagram account and announced the separation through an emotional post, saying she has now begun a next chapter of her life as a single woman.
“Sometimes marriage works by God`s grace and sometimes it does not work, but all in all God is still on the throne. I’ve been married for 11 years and now I start the journey of singlehood,” she wrote.
The preacher went ahead to intimate that she had faith that God still has control over her life and what comes next. “But God is still on the throne, I worship you Yahweh,” she wrote.
Size 8, however, did not delve into detail as to why the celebrated gospel couple decided to call it quits.
This is not the first time the couple is entangled in controversial news. In 2020, the popular couple was in the eye of the storm when a ‘side chick’ identified as Margaret Wanyama publicly shared her alleged intimate chats and moments with DJ Mo through blogger Edgar Obare. The evidence of cheating involving the gospel DJ also included photos of him while naked.
Size 8 then had a meltdown on camera when DJ Mo sought her out, claiming she had been humiliated after the side chick alleged she is slow in bed and does not satisfy him. However, few days later, the couple was seen together in a live prayer session where she claimed to have seen the goodness of the Lord in her marriage and that adversities make people stronger.
Later, she appeared alongside DJ Mo on their reality TV show ‘Dining with the Murayas’, where the couple made peace after what they called ‘Week ya masaibu.’
And so when she announced their separation, majority of Kenyans had a lot to say, some terming the announcement as a mere clout chasing, while others felt it was real. Majority of social media users felt like the announcement was a move to make their upcoming project popular- maybe launch of a music video or return of their reality show, while some felt it was true and that the couple has walked separate ways.
One thing that made the news unbelievable is the fact that Size 8 is a well-known preacher, who ideally, according to the societal standards, should support the marriage union come rain or shine, and loathe divorce. This mere notion de-linking religious leaders to divorces made the songstress a subject of ridicule and mockery from people who believe preachers are immune to separation or divorces.
“These people of God are the ones who tell others to be patient and pray for their marriages, even when things are getting worse. They quote the Bible to force people to remain in marriages that damages one’s sanity and well-being. They ask you to tolerate all the nonsenses in a marriage in the name of God doesn’t like divorce. But when it knocks on their door, it is different. They walk out without looking back,” said an X user, Shamz Wanja.
Another user Achieng Christine said, “I applaud Size 8 for taking that bold step to walk out of a marriage that is not working and starting a singlehood life. It ain’t easy as a mother, but mostly, as a woman of God who has a church to preach too. We know tens of women like her who suffer in silence, hide their wounds in tonnes of make-up as they continue to live under the same roof with their abuser. Someone’s relationship with God is not a reason enough for them to tolerate abuse and torture in the name of keeping a marriage as a church leader,”
Marriage and relationship coach, Mike Ndambiri says women either married to men of God or they themselves are involved in the church have been made to believe that their top mandate is to protect the image and reputation of their unions, and that divorce is a sin.
Due to the stigma and rejection that religious leaders face when faced with a separation or divorce, the counsellor says majority of them remain in their unhappy marriages, tolerating the torture of being in a loveless and unhappy union.“The society expects religious leaders, especially the female ones to tolerate and pray. Speaking about domestic violence meted to them by their spouse will taint the name of the church. And so, what do they do, they condone the abuse and torture, just to be seen that they are married, “he says.
He further says, “Some verses in the Bible are always misused to have people, including religious leaders remain in marriage, despite the challenges they face. The Bible says God hates divorce unless under certain circumstances. These circumstances are not highlighted when divorce is being discussed. The Bible should be quoted entirely to make people understand why divorce is an alternative,” he notes.
Ndambiti adds “The society judges divorced women harshly. No matter what caused the separation, they end up on the receiving end. Some women would rather then stay in their marriage for fears of being judged, “