A senior Kenyan government official has called for South African Netflix drama series The Polygamist to be banned in Kenya, arguing that it is negatively affecting marriages and family life.
According to Kenyan outlet Mpasho, Nairobi county chief officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria claimed the show is fuelling mistrust between couples.
“This movie has destroyed people’s marriages. It should be banned because it is spoiling families and the minds of people,” Mosiria said.
He added that the series is influencing how women interpret their husbands’ behaviour.
“A wife sees her husband with a female friend and immediately starts thinking he will become a polygamist.
“Women are enjoying it, but it is spoiling marriages and giving them wrong ideas.”
Not against polygamy — but against the portrayal
Mosiria clarified that he is not opposed to polygamy itself. In fact, he said he comes from a polygamous background.
“I am not against polygamy because I have seen people who were born in polygamous families, and I am also a product of a polygamous family.”
He explained that although he is married to one wife, he believes polygamy is not inherently wrong.
“The movie is exaggerating. It is making it look bad. It is making it look like anybody who is a polygamist is a womaniser and an animal, but polygamy is not bad.”
Mosiria revealed that he is the 21st of 22 children, noting that for years the family believed there were 21 siblings until his father disclosed there were 22 in total. He described growing up in a large family as a positive experience.
Global attention since June premiere
Since premiering on Friday, 12 June, The Polygamist has become one of the most talked-about series globally. The 22-episode drama is based on a novel by Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi and has drawn audiences from across the world.
While some viewers have praised the show for sparking conversations about modern relationships and traditional marriage structures, Mosiria believes its portrayal of polygamy risks reinforcing stereotypes and undermining family stability.
The call for a ban is likely to ignite debate in Kenya, where polygamy is legally recognised under customary law, and where questions around culture, modern media and freedom of expression often intersect.
The Polygamist is so controversial, Kenya wants to sue Netflix. pic.twitter.com/Cu285PXc8P
— Algorithm Teacher (@AlgoTeacher) June 24, 2026
