Kenyans have been left stunned after a 27-year-old man from Kisii County made an unusual confession during the Toboa Siri (“Reveal Your Secrets”) segment on Radio Jambo’s reggae show, hosted by popular presenters Mbusii and Lion.
In a confession that has since gone viral on social media, the man openly admitted to having a sexual relationship with a banana tree, a revelation that has triggered both shock and laughter among Kenyans online.
“I’m Married to My Banana Tree”
Explaining his bizarre behavior live on air, the man said his actions stemmed from an intense fear of contracting HIV/AIDS after losing his beloved uncle to the disease several years ago.
Haunted by that loss and terrified of intimacy with women, he said he devised an alternative method to meet his sexual needs — one he considered safe and reliable.
“Mimi nimezoea kulala na mgomba wa ndizi. Sitaki wasichana kabisa, hao wanaweza niambukiza Ukimwi. Wazazi wamejaribu kuniambia nioe lakini wapi. Ile kitu hawajui ni ati niko na bibi yangu—hii mgomba wa ndizi—na huwa naskia vizuri sana,” the man confessed on air.
According to him, he drilled a hole into the banana tree and used it as a substitute partner, claiming that the act gave him both comfort and peace of mind.
Fear, Trauma, and Isolation
While his confession amused many listeners, others expressed concern, suggesting that the man’s unusual behavior could be a sign of deep psychological trauma and unresolved fear.
Mental health experts note that extreme phobias — such as fear of infection or intimacy — can sometimes drive people to adopt strange coping mechanisms. The Kisii man’s experience appears to stem from a mix of grief, misinformation, and social anxiety.
Despite efforts by his parents to convince him to marry and “live normally,” he has reportedly refused, insisting that he has no desire for women and feels content with his “partner.”
Public Reactions
The story quickly spread across platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, with thousands of Kenyans reacting in disbelief. Some users joked about the confession, creating memes and parodies, while others urged compassion, emphasizing that the man might need counseling and guidance rather than ridicule.
One comment read:
“This is funny but also sad. It shows how fear and trauma can completely change someone’s behavior.”
Another user added:
“This is what happens when people are not educated properly about HIV and relationships. The fear can destroy lives.”
Lessons Behind the Shock
Beyond the humor, the man’s story underscores a critical issue in society — the ongoing need for sexual health education and psychological support. Many Kenyans, especially in rural areas, still harbor deep fears and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, leading to isolation, mistrust, and sometimes bizarre coping mechanisms.
Experts emphasize that open dialogue about safe sex, mental health, and counseling is essential to address such fears and prevent similar cases.
The Kisii man’s confession may seem unbelievable, but it opens up an important conversation about how fear and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS continue to affect individuals emotionally and mentally. His story, both shocking and tragic, reminds society of the urgent need to blend awareness, empathy, and education in addressing public health and psychological issues.
