The norm in society is that men date or marry younger women and women date or get married to older men. But the narrative has changed. The older women dating younger men, popularly known as cougars, or closer home, Aunty wa Harrier, or more recently, ‘Mumamas’, have made the dating world more competitive.
This woman is unmistakable, gold, a freshly-installed wig, well-manicured nails, and chunky physical features. These women are usually in their 40s and above, and are financially well of, and in need of affection, physical and otherwise, making them quite a hit with a growing number of young men who would rather be kept than work for a living.
They say everyone has the right to love whomever they want. With that, older women have embraced the notion of choosing younger men for varying reasons
“These boys are very fine and energetic. Every woman my age wants such a lively man to be around. They are physically fit, youthful, and have a flattering nature. They tend to add a touch of excitement, delight, and vigour into our lives.
Older women, younger men relationships are becoming common in Kenya.
In 2003, Peter Mbugua made history when he married the late Wambui Otieno, who was 42 years older than him.When the fiery Wambui died of a heart disease at the Nairobi Hospital back then, the curtain fell on one of the most notable love affairs in Kenya’s history.According to the will seen by the Sunday Nation, Wambui wanted Mbugua to own at least one car to enable him “move around in his day-to-day endeavours”
In the detailed will signed on June 19, 2011, Wambui distributed all her movable and immovable property and cash held in bank among her 10 children and eight grand children
Wambui directed that expenses for her burial were to be paid out of her estate.Previously in an exclusive interview with the Nation, Mr Mbugua intimated that his first marriage was marred with controversy, especially after his wife died. Although the marriage had its ups and down, he says, their age difference did not bother him.Mr Mbugua said before the dust had settled, he was embroiled in a property tussle with his ste.
Mbugua lives in a one-room house in Kitengela on a property originally owned by Wambui. Mr Mbugua, who left a young lover to marry Mrs Otieno, cannot set foot in Wambui’s Karen home where they lived for several years after the much-publicised wedding in 2003.
Wambui’s daughters took over the Karen home. One of her daughters, Sophie, who had lived in South Sudan for some time, is now in charge.
Their engagement raised criticism with many claiming that the former stonemason was only after Wambui’s wealth, but Mbugua rubbished the claims, saying he was in love with her.
Mbugua’s mother, who was 53 years old then, refused to acknowledge Wambui as her daughter-in-law, while Wambui’s daughters boycotted the wedding. They were unhappy that their mother was tying the knot to a man 42 years younger than her. Mbugua is said to have dumped her fiancée before marrying Wambui.
Mbugua’s mother passed away a few days after the wedding. Wambui’s first husband was the late S M Otieno, a prominent Luo lawyer.
