A Kenyan woman, Cynthia Achieng Abok, has opened up about the emotional turmoil and challenges she faced after going through 12 failed marriages, each leaving behind scars and lessons, but also hope for a better future.
Abok, who hails from Kisumu and now resides in Nairobi, revealed in an interview with Citizen Digital that she entered her first marriage as a minor. According to her, difficult childhood circumstances pushed her to seek stability and affection early in life, but the search only led her into repeated cycles of disappointment and abuse.
"I didn't come from a stable family. My parents separated when I was young. My mum remarried, and life with my dad was not easy. My siblings left home, and I tried to live with my mum, but it was unbearable," she recounted.
With no solid family foundation and a strong desire for education and security, the 37-year-old woman said she fell prey to older men who exploited her vulnerability. Many, she said, were already married and hid her away from their families under false promises of care and education.
"Most were married men. They would rent houses for me and keep me there to hide me from their wives and other drama. I ended up with them because I was desperate, and I always fell for their lies that they would take me to school," she said.
One of the most harrowing episodes she shared involved a 77-year-old pastor who fathered one of her children. The man, like many before him, promised her support but instead subjected her to neglect and abuse.
"He was married and took me to a different place from his main home. He would visit me during the day. He never fulfilled any of his promises and sometimes even abused me. Our relationship had more downs than ups, but I chose to remain until his wife found out. I was chased away," she revealed.
Abok has three children and has had to fend for them through odd jobs and personal struggles, including battling emotional trauma and stress with harmful coping mechanisms.
Despite her painful experiences, the mother of three has not given up on love.
"Maybe God can bring a good person my way. I would still accept love. For now, I may not be ready, but I haven't shut the door to love," she said.
Watch the video below ...
All Comments0