Pastor Sekati breaks silence on third wife

Pastor Kemmonye Sekati has once again found himself at the centre of public debate following recent hints suggesting the possible addition of a third wife to his already polygamous household.The outspoken cleric, who is married to Kagiso and Mpho, Kagiso being the first wife and Mpho the second, has been trending across social media platforms, with speculation swirling that the prospective wife could be South African.The development has fuelled lively discussions online, particularly among women, with opinions sharply divided.While some argue that polygamy should be reserved for wealthy men who can provide equally for multiple households, others maintain that only financially independent women can cope with such arrangements.Pastor Sekati has previously spoken openly about his desire for a big family, once stating that polygamy requires firmness, adding that being soft can lead to disorder in the home. He has also been quoted as saying that when he wants something, he goes for it.In response to growing public interest, The Midweek Sun spoke to the pastor to clarify the current situation. Sekati confirmed that his family is in a period of change, but stopped short of confirming whether a third marriage is imminent.“The family is going through a transition. At the right time, we will come back to the media and announce our progress,” he said.On questions around Christian doctrine, particularly 1 Timothy 3:2–5, which speaks of a pastor being the husband of one wife, Sekati said he and his family had long decided not to engage in debates about biblical interpretation in relation to their household.“We have long made a conscious decision not to argue Biblical interpretations of our family setup,” he said.Asked whether the rumours and public scrutiny have affected his ministry or personal life, Sekati described his household as a typical Setswana family navigating everyday challenges.“Our family is just a normal Setswana family with its own challenges and opportunities. We navigate them together and continue to learn and grow through such experiences,” he said.With opinions continuing to pour in from both supporters and critics, the pastor offered a simple message to the public.“No matter what decision you make or don’t make, people will always talk.”On claims that the prospective wife is South African, Sekati declined to provide clarity, saying he could neither deny nor confirm the allegations.He also spoke about how harmony is maintained in his current marriage to Kagiso and Mpho, saying open dialogue remains central to their household.“Constant communication between ourselves. Every member of the family is allowed to contribute their viewpoint on a matter that may arise,” he said.Interestingly, Sekati added that the idea of a third wife did not originate with him.“Lastly, I need not prepare them for the arrival of a third wife. The third wife issue was never my idea as a husband,” he said, without expanding further.When asked about his long-term vision regarding polygamy and whether he intends to marry more wives in the future, Sekati said his priority is the well-being of his family.“My vision is to make my wives happy and raise the kids in an environment that gives them the best chance at life. So far so good.”Side BarIn Botswana, polygamy is legal under customary law, which allows a man to marry multiple wives. Such marriages are recognised and regulated within the framework of traditional practices, reflecting along-standing cultural practice linked to family growth and social alliances.However, it is important to note that polygamy is not recognised under civil marriage law, meaning that multiple marriages are not legally valid outside the customary system. Today, polygamy continues to spark debate, with discussions focusing on financial responsibility, gender equality, and whether women in modern society are willing or able to participate in polygamous arrangements.

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Pastor Sekati breaks silence on third wife