Popular TikToker Zedekia Omengo Ouma, better known as Papa Lewisooh, has publicly supported President William Ruto’s recent call encouraging young Kenyans to take marriage more seriously. In a viral clip posted on Sunday, November 30, 2025, he praised the President for addressing an issue he believes many young people avoid. He then urged Ruto to take the proposal further by pushing it to Parliament and having it passed into law.
Papa Lewisooh said he believes 25 years should be the ideal age by which a young Kenyan should be married or making concrete plans to settle down. He stated, “President kwa mara ya kwanza umetoa point ya maana, naomba unaweza peleka hii kitu bunge iende ipitishwe, 25 years olewa ama uowe,” and added, “President Sukuma hii kitu kwa bunge nko nyuma yako umesema 25 years akuwe ameolewa ama ameoa.”
His remarks came shortly after President Ruto addressed the topic during the wedding of Moses Mudavadi, son of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Qillian Saiya, daughter of former GSU Commandant William Atswenje Saiya and former Kakamega Senator Naomi Masitsa Shiyonga, held on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The President encouraged young Kenyans aged 25 and above to embrace marriage rather than spend years moving from one club to another.
Why Did Papa Lewisooh Support Ruto’s Message?
Papa Lewisooh echoed the President’s sentiments and urged men in particular to stop avoiding responsibilities. He aligned himself with the message that settling down is an important step in building stability and purpose. His argument reflected his belief that young adults should pay more attention to forming long-term partnerships instead of delaying commitment.
Ruto’s original appeal was direct and addressed to both men and women. “Those of you who are above the age of 25, get married. Wacha kuzunguka unatoka kwa club hii inaingia kwa club hii unaenda hio ingine,” he said. He continued by encouraging men to step into responsibility and commit to the partners they care about. “If you are a man, be man enough to marry the woman you love. Because we have so many people who ran away from responsibility… I want to encourage the men in this room to be man enough and marry the woman you love.”
What Does This Debate Mean for Young Kenyans?
The discussion has stirred mixed reactions online, with supporters viewing it as a call for stronger family structures, while others argue that marriage is a personal decision tied to readiness, finances and life goals. For many young adults, this conversation highlights the ongoing debate around societal expectations and individual freedom.
As the topic continues to trend across platforms, Papa Lewisooh’s push for the President to formalise the idea through legislation has sparked even deeper discussions on whether marriage should remain a personal choice or be guided through policy.
By Modester Nasimiyu