Gospel minister and singer Mercy Marsika has urged singles and married couples to look beyond money and material possessions when considering marriage, saying financial status should not be the primary measure of a successful union.
In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Marsika encouraged people to focus on purpose, faith, and the challenges that come with marriage rather than comparing their lives to those of wealthy families or high-profile weddings.
Her remarks come amid continued conversations around marriage and relationships, following the recent traditional engagement ceremony of President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and her fiancé, Isaya Yunge.
Money should not define marriage
Marsika challenged the belief that marriage should come with wealth, expensive celebrations, or a particular lifestyle.
She noted that while money can make life easier, it should not determine who someone chooses to marry or how they measure their relationship. “There’s nowhere in the Bible it is written that you need to marry a rich man and that people need to come with choppers for your wedding,” she said.
According to Marsika, someone who may not have financial success at the beginning of a marriage can still build wealth over time, provided they have purpose and determination.
She also encouraged people to recognise that being rich is not only about having money. “Even if you’re not rich in terms of money, you have to be rich in purpose. Because money is good, but it is not everything,” she added.
Every marriage has its own challenges
Marsika also cautioned couples against comparing their marriages with those of other people, saying every individual faces different challenges.
She noted that financial struggles are only one form of difficulty, while others may deal with health, family or personal challenges. “Everybody has their own exams,” she said, urging couples to remain patient and trust that their lives have different paths.
She further reminded married couples that the wedding ceremony is only the beginning of their journey together. “The real work starts after the wedding,” Marsika said.
Charlene’s traditional engagement
Marsika’s comments come shortly after Charlene Ruto and Isaya Yunge celebrated their traditional engagement through a Koito ak Chaik ceremony held in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The ceremony attracted government officials, politicians, friends and family members, with the event drawing attention after an invitation card bearing the names of President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto was shared publicly.
The traditional celebration marked an important stage in Charlene and Isaya’s relationship as they prepare to begin a new chapter together.
A message to couples
Marsika’s message was ultimately centred on contentment and patience, encouraging people not to feel pressured by the financial status of other couples. She told those who may be disappointed that their weddings were not expensive or elaborate not to measure their marriages by the money spent on the ceremony.
Marsika urged couples to appreciate what they have, remain focused on their purpose and remember that marriage comes with responsibilities that cannot be measured by the size of a wedding.
