Frank Gashumba, a well-known public speaker and businessman, has ignited discussion after strongly criticizing the trend of men kneeling when proposing marriage. Speaking on Sanyuka TV, he revealed that he never knelt when proposing to his wife, Mutoni Malaika, and warned that he would never do it in the future.
Gashumba described the act of kneeling as demeaning to men. He said that, for him, proposing is a personal and serious gesture, not a performance for public attention or social media validation.
According to Gashumba, social media has had a major influence on modern relationships, leading people to prioritize public perception over genuine connection. He explained that men increasingly perform extravagant gestures just to impress others online, rather than focusing on their partners’ happiness.
He said this trend has encouraged behaviors such as giving expensive gifts, orchestrating elaborate proposals, and kneeling down in public, which he considers unnecessary and performative.
Gashumba emphasized that he comes from a traditional background and learned from his forefathers that proposing does not require such public displays. For him, respect, sincerity, and cultural values outweigh any modern trends dictated by social media.
He further said, “How can I, Gashumba, kneel down to propose to a woman? I never did that, and you will see if you watch my videos. If I have ever knelt down, then may Allah punish me with the greatest punishment. I cannot do that.”
Gashumba stated that men who kneel for proposals often do so to impress women superficially, rather than demonstrating genuine love or commitment. He believes this behavior misleads women into thinking a man’s intentions are serious, when in reality, many are not.
He clarified that he respects women’s preferences but insisted that he personally will not follow trends that conflict with his beliefs. According to him, if a woman prefers men who kneel, that is her choice, but it is not his practice.
The public speaker described kneeling proposals as highly performative and argued that they are often employed by men who lack real intentions of commitment. In his view, such gestures are empty and do not reflect the depth of a man’s character or devotion.
Gashumba shared that in his own marriage, he proposed without kneeling, reflecting his commitment to cultural values and sincerity. He said that the moment was meaningful because it came from the heart, not because it looked good on social media.
He criticized how modern society has shifted the focus from genuine emotion to public spectacle. Many men, he argued, now prioritize viral-worthy moments over authentic expressions of love and respect.
Gashumba emphasized the importance of teaching young men the difference between performance and true intention. He believes that proposals should be an intimate, honest act rather than a public display aimed at garnering praise or attention.
He also warned that blindly following trends can lead men to lose their sense of identity and respect in relationships. According to him, preserving cultural values and personal principles is essential for healthy marriages.
The businessman highlighted that real love and commitment do not require dramatic gestures. Small, thoughtful actions and sincere words, he argued, carry far more meaning than elaborate, staged proposals.
Gashumba encouraged men to be confident in their own values and traditions, rather than succumbing to pressure from social media or societal expectations. He said that standing firm in one’s beliefs earns respect from partners and society alike.
He stressed that marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a performance for applause or likes online. Men, he advised, should focus on the depth of their relationship rather than trying to impress others with superficial acts.
Gashumba recounted that his relationship with Malaika was built on mutual respect and understanding, not grand gestures or public displays. For him, love is about sincerity, not spectacle.
He acknowledged that some people may disagree with his stance, but he remains steadfast in his belief that kneeling proposals are unnecessary and often performative.
He also urged women to value men for their character and intentions rather than for flashy displays or social media performances. True partnership, he said, is grounded in respect, trust, and genuine affection.
Finally, Gashumba concluded that men should honor their traditions and remain authentic in their proposals, warning that blindly following trends can lead to disappointment and misunderstandings. For him, integrity and cultural values are non-negotiable in love and marriage.
His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with some applauding his stance on tradition and authenticity, while others argue that modern proposals allow for creative expression. Regardless, Gashumba’s message is clear: sincerity and values should guide relationships, not public spectacle or viral trends.
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