NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan activist and politician Morara Kebaso has apologised over the highly publicised fallout with his estranged first wife, Mercy Makini, saying he has reflected on his conduct and chosen to end the public exchanges.
Kebaso issued the apology on Monday, September 14, 2026, in a statement shared on X, where he acknowledged that moments of disappointment and frustration can lead people to make decisions with far-reaching consequences.
He said the attention surrounding the dispute had also made him reflect on the dangers of exposing private family matters to the public.
“In a moment of disappointment and frustration. We do things that have far reaching consequences,” Kebaso said.
The politician admitted that he had considered continuing the public battle after feeling that his side of the story had not been fully understood.
“I had alot of evidence of many things that have happened. I felt that I am being misunderstood because I have not told the full story,” he said.
Kebaso said he had, at one point, hoped the conflict would continue because it would give him an opportunity to publicly present his side of the story.
“In fact at some point i hoped that the war continues so that i get a platform to light it up proper,” he said.
However, he said the period of silence that followed gave him an opportunity to reflect on his actions and responsibilities as a public figure.
“But in my moment of silence I have held myself to account,” Kebaso said.
Kebaso linked his decision to apologise to his position as a leader, saying he could not allow pride to prevent him from acknowledging when he had fallen short of the standards expected of him.
“I am a leader. I will never be too proud not say sorry. I am expected to live up to the high standards of my calling,” he said.
The statement marked a significant change in tone after days of heated exchanges and competing accounts surrounding the breakdown of his relationship with Makini.
Kebaso also appeared to warn against turning private disputes into public entertainment, arguing that the consequences can extend beyond the people directly involved.
“We may be cheered and celebrated today for the stupid things we do because they are entertaining to strangers; but when the dust settles we are left on the high road,” he said.
He further argued that privacy was important in relationships and business, saying, “A strong marriage is built on secrecy. Business hates conflict and money hates noise.”
The public dispute between Kebaso and Makini followed revelations about the status of their relationship.
Kebaso publicly addressed his family situation and acknowledged Makini as the mother of his three children while also identifying Pauline as his second wife. His remarks came amid growing online speculation about his marriage.
The announcement prompted Makini to publicly challenge his account of their relationship. Makini said she had walked away from the marriage privately on March 2, 2026, and had expected the separation to remain a private family matter. She subsequently made allegations against Kebaso, including claims of domestic violence and child neglect.
Makini also rejected the suggestion that she remained part of Kebaso’s polygamous household, insisting that she had already moved on from the relationship. The dispute subsequently expanded into disagreements over their children, financial support and the circumstances surrounding their separation.
Kebaso responded by defending himself against claims that he had neglected his family. He pointed to financial assistance he said he had provided and spoke about his contribution towards building a home for Makini’s parents. He also indicated that he had evidence that could provide more context to the dispute.
He invoked his Christian faith while explaining his decision, writing that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Kebaso concluded with a call to move beyond the controversy and concentrate on work.
“Tusongeshe kazi mbele,” he wrote, urging those involved to push the work forward.
