Kikuyu Phrases Men Use to Justify Overspending in Kenya

In Kenya, overspending rarely ends with regret alone. It is followed by reflection, humor, and carefully chosen words that help restore calm and confidence. Among Kikuyu men in particular, financial missteps are rarely internalized as failure. Instead, they are explained through familiar phrases that soften the blow and allow life to move on. These expressions serve as emotional tools, helping men process loss, protect pride, and maintain balance after money has been spent badly or unexpectedly.

Language plays a central role in how financial mistakes are handled. When a rushed land deal collapses, savings vanish into a bad investment, or money is spent purely on vibes, silence does not follow. Words step in to reframe the moment. These phrases are not excuses alone. They are coping mechanisms rooted in culture, faith, and social identity.

Why do Kikuyu men use phrases to cope with money loss?

One common phrase is Ciuragira kuingi. Loosely translated, it means money has many ways of getting lost. This is often the first response after a questionable financial decision. The phrase normalizes loss by suggesting that money is unpredictable by nature. The mistake is not framed as poor judgment, but as an expected outcome of dealing with money itself. Psychologically, it spreads responsibility and reduces self blame. The speaker is reassured that loss is part of life, not a personal flaw, which makes it easier to move forward without dwelling too long on regret.

Another widely used phrase is Ngai atendete ndūngītonga. Translated, it means when God does not wish it, you cannot become rich. This phrase shifts the burden of the outcome away from the individual and places it in the hands of divine will. It is not always a sign of resignation. Instead, it functions as a spiritual cushion after financial disappointment. By attributing loss to forces beyond human control, the man avoids harsh self judgment and accepts that effort does not always guarantee results, especially where money is concerned.

How do these phrases protect pride and identity?

The phrase Mundu ni hamwe na indo means a man is known by what he owns or what is visible. Even when a purchase turns out to be financially unsound, the presence of something tangible still matters. A car, a plot, or a flashy phone continues to signal status and progress. This phrase reframes the purchase as meaningful because it can be seen. The focus shifts from the cost to the outcome. Pride is preserved not through savings, but through visibility and presence.

Another powerful expression is Bora niko hai. Though Swahili, it is commonly used among Kikuyu men. It means as long as I am alive, nothing else really matters. This phrase is often used after major losses. The logic is simple and grounding. Money can be recovered, but life cannot. It offers a strong emotional reset, restoring perspective and easing anxiety after overspending.

By Lucky Anyanje