Entertainment

Willis Chimano of Sauti Sol narrated how his hotel business in Nairobi collapsed after a good two-year run.

Chimano partnered with his friends, one of them Phidi Mwatibo, and founded the hotel which was labeled Kez Kitchen.

“In 2018 a couple of friends and I decided we were going to build a restaurant in memory of her mother. If Covid-19 hadn’t happened it would have been a totally different story,” stated. 

Kez Kitchen which was located at Abor House, Nairobi Arboretum

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Located at Abor House in Arboretum, the open space restaurant had trendy rustic furniture which complemented the white and green-themed interior.

When Kez Kitchen opened its doors it was an instant hit. It became popular without heavy marketing, attracting over 100 clients on some nights. 

The restaurant had a bar that served alcoholic drinks and scooped a share of Nairobi’s buzzing nightlife before the pandemic.

“The parties we were having would have about 150 people and even after we told them the number of people we could accommodate, they would still sneak in.

“We had a lot of issues with the landlord and he was really against it,” Chimano’s business partner Phidi stated, adding that the noise also became an issue. 

The problems persisted but the last nail on the coffin was delivered in the form of a Covid-19 pandemic, which strained the hospitality industry due to the closure of hotels.

“When Covid-19 hit...you know when you see a boat capsizing, you just jump out, that’s exactly what we did,” she explained.

When they decided to close the restaurant, the structures were brought down in just 5 hours. 

Chimano however stated that the dream of running a restaurant was still alive and when the health and economic factors become suitable the hotel will reopen. 

Kez Kitchen which was located at Abor House, Nairobi Arboretum

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Comedian Eric Omondi has bagged a lucrative deal with a US company as a brand ambassador and also as their official emcee for their events. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Friday, April 30, Omondi said that he will be the face for GSM Retail Inc for the Kenyan-based branch. 

"For a start, I will be hosting their event tomorrow, Saturday, May 1, at the Karen Hub where they will be launching another Baby Shop store at  the Hub. 

He said that he was blessed to continue raising the Kenyan flag and was proof that individuals can work across multiple sectors.

Celebrated comedian Eric Omondi with trophies

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On Labour Day he will host Tanzania's High Commissioner to Kenya, John Simbachawene, at the event. Simbachawene will launch the new Karen store. 

"Come and be proud of one of your own. Let's support each other. We shall give away free gifts and it will be one of my proudest moments," Omondi added.

The comedian, self-proclaimed President of comedy in Africa is not only a brand ambassador but also a content creator and emcee.

Omondi who started off from Churchill Show has been raising the bar and performing in several international events. 

The comedian uses his social media influence as a source of income too. In July 2020, he noted that the impact of Covid-19 had accelerated the transformation of the industry to heavily relies on digital media. 

He advised the comedians to invest and venture into quality content that can be used by brands for marketing. 

“Companies are creating huge marketing budgets for content creation that comedians should tap into,” he said. 

Comedian Eric Omondi poses for a photo on his birthday in March 2020

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Churchill comedian Jemutai Chibambe has admitted to struggling to make ends meet and surviving on debts. 

Jemutai reached out to blogger Edgar Obare seeking to sell her Facebook account for Ksh1.7 million which enable her to clear her debt including rent arrears.

"I am a mother of two and a comedian. Life is becoming hard every day and I have lots of arrears. I want to sell my Facebook account to anyone in business. It has over 850,000 followers. I am selling at Ksh2 bob per follower," Jemutai pleaded. 

"I want to be able to start a business and take care of my children. I know it is was a desperate move but I wanted to pay my bills. As a mother I would do anything for my kids," she added on her social media pages. 

Comedians and content creators Jemutai (left) and Mulamwah (right)

The comedian, emcee and social media influencer added that she has been struggling to feed her kids and pay bills on her own. 

She, however, urged Kenyans to understand her plight and desist from bullying or criticising her, just because she is a celebrity. 

Jemutai further asked her followers not to pin the blame on comedian and Classic 105 presenter, Daniel Ndambuki (Churchill), as witnessed in previous situations. She noted that Churchill has always been castigated for the plight of struggling comedians who were nurtured under his wing. 

"I don't want anyone to blame Churchill as I don't have any issues with him. He is such a nice boss. Selling my account was my personal decision because that's like my asset," Jemutai pleaded. 

Jemutai has joined a number of celebrities - especially comedians - who have openly admitted to either struggling financially or have battled depression. These include the late Othuol Othuol (Ben Maurice Omondi), Njoro the comedian and actor Omosh (Peter Kinuthia). 

During the burial of Othuol Othuol on October 24, 2020, Churchill rebuked individuals who blame him for the misfortunes of his fellow comedians. 

"I'm not the government. I'm not funded by the government. I'm just a person who had a small dream and whose ambition was to change the lives of as many Kenyans as I could and make them realize their dreams," said Churchill, urging comedians to focus on being brand ambassadors and creating content online. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected the entertainment industry when the government banned physical events and the closure of entertainment joints. Comedian Felix Odiwour advised artists to relocate from the city to other towns to make ends meet. 

"We have places opened and operating in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, Kericho, Malindi. Just plan and go! They need your talent. Book your events out of Nairobi.

"Go accept the small pay, small gigs, and build a new audience! Eldoret, Kitale, Kakamega, Busia are all open. Just go," he reiterated," Jalang'o advised.  

MC Jessy (left) with Churchill Daniel Ndambuki (right) at an event in Nairobi on November 25, 2020

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Churchill Daniel Ndambuki

Gospel musician Moses Tarus Omondi (Mr Seed) married his long-time girlfriend Nimo Gachuiri at a private ceremony on Thursday, April 29. 

Only close friends and family were present at the invite-only event to witness the two exchanging vows. 

The Gwara Gwara hitmaker shared a few details of the wedding on his social media, saying that he was a lucky and blessed man. 

"Agreeing to be my woman has been the best love journey. I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life without you. 

Mr Seed weds and his wife Nimo Gachuiri celebrate their traditional wedding in August 2019

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Thank you for marrying me. Till death do us part. To all who stood with us in this and played a role in making it a success, may God bless you,” Mr Seed appreciated. 

The CEO of Starborn Recording Label and his wife conducted their traditional wedding in August 2019 at the Nimo's home. 

He vowed to treasure her, value their love and spend their forever together. The two got engaged in 2018. 

"I didn’t have a doubt at any time about our future together. All through the ups and downs, you have been there with me.

"To our parents; Thanks for believing in us and blessing our union. All of those present and those who supported us from a distance in this journey we are thankful and we appreciate your friendship," he said in 2019. 

Mr Seed is a father of one. 

"Congratulations," fellow gospel musician Benachi and his fans lauded him. 

Mr Seed at his traditional wedding in August 2019

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Former Tahidi High Star Joyce Wanjiku (Kellen) has shed light on her strained relationship with her husband and why she is struggling to raise her children alone. 

Wanjiku who portrayed a sub-ordinate staff in the Citizen TV drama series said that she parted ways with her husband who was reportedly shy of responsibilities. 

Talking to Kenyans.co.ke, the actress alleged that the husband vandalised her car, burnt it and further disowned her and the children while she was still acting in Tahidi High. 

"My husband deserted us and that's why I am struggling alone. He doesn't want responsibilities. 

Tahidi High's Joyce Wanjiku (Kellen) poses for a photo with other cast members

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In March 2021, she reached out to well-wishers requesting to be helped in raising school fees for her two children. One was a KCSE candidate and the other waiting to join Form 3. 

Through multiple social media posts, she shared her mobile transaction number and pay bill numbers. She was hoping to raise over Ksh75,000. 

"Kenyans and other donors aided me with the little they had. I understand some were constrained by the Covid-19 pandemic. From the much they offered, I split into paying fees for the two children.

"The one joining Form 3 still needs support, same to the sister who is set to join tertiary level. As a person living with a disability (PWD), I am struggling and I need to buy a new metallic shoe for my right leg. My movement is minimal," she reached out. 

To boost her income after her acting stint came to an end, Wanjiku opened an eatery joint in a Nairobi estate which has not yet broken even. 

"An MCA and some friends helped me set up this business. However, we are still grappling with income and it needs renovation. 

"People should understand that we celebrities at times are just big names with empty pockets. The TV can magnify you to a level people think you can't struggle," Wanjiku said, adding that people need to be considerate as some accused her of seeking help after seeing some of her former colleagues such as Omosh (Joseph Kinuthia) aided by well-wishers.  

Actor Omosh (left) receives a cheque from comedian Felix Odiwour (Jalang'o) in February 2021

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22-year-old Laura Kariuki made her first debut on “Black Lightning” a TV series on Netflix after the show did a recast where she replaced Chinne Anne McClain who is not a new name in the industry.

The stunning Kariuki made a mark after her debut, raising questions on who the rising star was.  

Laura is a graduate from the Oklahoma City University School of Theatre. She was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Acting Major. While in school, she got acting credits from screen appearances in shows such as Submission, Trojan horse and the Bluest eyes.

Cast of "Wonder Years". Left,Laura Kariuki and on the far right Dule Hill.

Her talent led her to be cast in yet another film “The Wonder Years”, a film starring Dule Hill, a renowned actor in America. He is known for his appearance in Psych, Ballers and Suits among other shows.

The future looks bright for Kariuki as she got cast in a major role on a Netflix film, “Along For the Ride”. The film is based on a novel by Sarah Dessen which is a New York Times Best Selling Author.

The film is written and directed by Sofia Alvarez. She is known for her exceptional work in directing the teen romance comedy “To All The Boys I Ever Loved”, which was a hit globally.

Netflix announced the film and stated it was expected to start shooting in April at Wilmington. Kariuki will act alongside Hollywood stars Dermot Mulroney and Kate Bosworth.

Recently, a number of Kenyan films have made their way to Netflix. Just in Time, The boy who harnessed the wind, Poached, 40 sticks are some of the films.

Profile for Laura Kariuki

Popular comedy shows Vioja Mahakamani and Vitimbi are set to return to TV after a seven-year hiatus. 

The shows will make a comeback on the national broadcaster, KBC, once the station is re-launched. 

Multiple sources privy to the developments told Kenyans.co.ke that the shows which had aired for nearly three decades before curtains closed will adopt their old setup but incorporate new ideas and scriptwriting techniques. 

"For Vioja Mahakamani, the show will still depict court proceedings. We have daily and different occurrences in court which can be mimicked inclusive of comedy. 

Mama Kayai (left) and Gibson Mbugua (Prosecutor) at a public event.

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"The show will also see the return of the veteran cast from the prosecutor (Gibson Mbugua) to Ondiek Nyuka Kwota (Hiram Muigai), Makokha (Mathias Keya) and Olexander Josphat (Peter Sankale)," the insider disclosed adding that they would also incorporate new actors. 

Ondiek, Makokha and Sankale moved to KTN Home where they were part of the Daktari comedy cast. 

For Vitimbi, the show will also see the return of famous actress Mama Kayai (Mary Khavere) and others. Unfortunately, Mzee Ojwang (Benson Wanjau) passed away in July 2015. 

Apart from appearing on TV, the cast also performed at national events and private ceremonies. 

"The finer details of both shows and program changes will be unveiled by the KBC management. They are in discussion with the show creators and cast on how to air the programs," sources added. 

On Friday, April 23, KBC MD Naim Bilal shared insights into KBC re-launching plan, saying that they would hire new anchors and come up with new programs. 

Sources added that veteran anchors Pauline Sheghu, Badi Mukhsin and Harith Salim will make a comeback in mainstream media to anchor prime-time news.

"The legends will be anchoring prime time news on the weekends while the rest will be working on weekdays," an insider stated.

KBC main office entrance located along Harry Thuku Road, off University Way in the Nairobi city centre.

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Gospel musician Reuben Kigame has announced that he will be in the 2022 presidential ballot, challenging Deputy President William Ruto, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Dr Mukhisa Kituyi who are among politicians who have declared interest in the race.

Kigame is rallying individuals who will form his mobilization team to join his social media groups to share ideas and strengthen his agenda.

The Enda Nasi hitmaker said that he was responding to the call of his close friends to vie as an independent presidential candidate in 2022. 

"Kenya is in a bad place and if we do not courageously challenge the rot we are in at the moment, we will have ourselves to blame and future generations will not forgive us for letting them down. 

Gospel artists Gloria Muliro (left) and Pastor Reuben Kigame (right) perform at a church in Nairobi.

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"Tough times require tough decisions and mine is such. I will be announcing my bid soon," Kigame said in a post shared in one of the social media groups. 

The pastor, a person living with a disability (blind PWD), announced that his agenda will be based on 'Reset Kenya' and 'Make Kenya Great Again' mottos. 

Kigame, 55, was born on March 13, 1966 in Bunyore, Vihiga County. He has a Bachelors Degree in Education from Kenyatta University and a Masters in Journalism and Media Studies from Moi University. He became blind at the age of 3 years. 

In 2013, he emerged fourth out of six in the Vihiga Gubernatorial election in his first venture into politics. The Theology PhD student and teacher is a father to three. 

Kigame has been vocal on the rights of musicians in Kenya, calling out the Music Copyright Society of Kenya for allegedly mistreating artists and embezzling their royalties. 

"My songs are played on just about every public event including by police and military bands. Yet at the end of the month I can only look forward to about ksh18,000 in royalties," he posted on his social media pages on Tuesday, March 30. 

He has also been a huge critic of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Covid-19 crisis and Building Bridges Initiative management. Kigame lamented that Uhuru was propagating the BBI agenda when Kenyans were dying of Covid-19, sleeping hungry, losing jobs and the economy and health sectors were crippling.

"Kenya is stressed up, Kenya is overwhelmed. This idea of pushing for a referendum right now is tarnishing your image as leaders and there is a price for indifference. 

"Kenya is collapsing. BBI can wait. It's not that we do not want the process. We are begging you to stop it until we are safe until children are back to school, find jobs, pay loans and are ready to assemble again. We are not sober to make decisions right now," he lamented. 

Pastor Reuben Kigame with his wife Julie Kigame

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Former Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero, is a business magnate with investments in the real estate sector, commercial buildings and other unidentified businesses. 

In 2018, investigative agencies estimated his net worth at over Ksh9 billion.

Apart from owning over 11 high-end vehicles, Yala Towers in Nairobi and hundreds of acres of land worth billions of shilling, he also owns 50 rental units on Riara Road and other luxury serviced apartments (GemSuites) at Riverside, Muthaiga and near State House.

According to the managers, the GemSuites apartments are a new concept in luxury living in Nairobi, defined by well-appointed, fully furnished and serviced executive apartments, managed to the most exacting international standards. 

A fitness centre at Evans Kidero's GemSuites Luxury Apartments

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The state of the art apartments and hotel rooms are equipped with well-appointed finishes and amenities familiar with a five-star class hotel, with the comfort, space and privacy of a home. 

GemSuites' fully serviced one and two-bedroom apartments attract foreigners and the wealthy who part with Ksh540,000 per month as rental charges, minus room service, food and entertainment. 

The hotel was once in the spotlight in a row pitting President Uhuru Kenyatta's nephew Jomo Gecaga who sought to block his eviction from the lavish apartment over rental arrears. 

A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke established that some of the apartments are also leased for short term stays of up to eight hours. A one bedroom stay goes for Ksh9,500 for day bookings where guests can check in at 9am and check out by 5pmon the same day. 

The three properties, Muthaiga, Riverside and near State House have a signature Italian branded restaurant, Argenti which offers full-course meals, exotic alcoholic drinks and beverages. Kidero has plans to launch Skytop bars on the 11th floor of all three premises. 

"After a long hard day, one will be able to unwind with your associates at the Argenti Lounge. Grab a healthy smoothie at the Poolside Bar or get together for a post-conference sundowner with breath-taking city views," the management announced. 

The apartments further offer VIP airport meet and assist, chauffeured car services, relocation services, fitness and spa centres, meeting and conference rooms and airport transportation/CBD shuttles. 

GemSuites Riverside was awarded the best hotel development award by Africa Property Investment. 

Inside Evans Kidero's GemSuites Luxury Apartments

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A one-bedroom at Evans Kidero's GemSuites Luxury Apartments

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A conference hall at Evans Kidero's GemSuites Luxury Apartments

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Revellers partying at a club at Evans Kidero's GemSuites Luxury Apartments

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Churchill Show Comedian Francis Onono, popularly known as Brigeddia General, has graduated from the US Army Academy.

Brigeddia shared the news on his official handles disclosing that he had graduated as a member of the US Army at Fort Sill Oklahoma in the 1- 31 Bravo Battery, 434th Field Artillery.

"Put your hands together, let's celebrate this achievement as a team. A dream that came true, 30 years later.

"And to all the young men out there, believe that dreams do come true. It's just a matter of time. Chase your dreams. Don't give up no matter what. Rest if you have to, but don't you stop. Don't you ever give up," he urged.

Brigeddia General performing on stage in 2017

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Churchill Show founder Daniel Ndambuki took to social media to congratulate the new graduate.

"Congratulations to our very own Brigeddia General on joining the US Army. Back then he had a dream," he stated.

Brigeddia appeared on the show where he presented his spoken-word piece, titled I have a dream which captivated audiences with his wordplay and comical interphases cultivated in the flow of his words.

He identifies himself as a poet and a musician having released various songs over the years including Binadam, Mweshimiwa, Hendisheki and Kenya Hii.

He describes his music as Afro-music combined with poetry, where he tackles issues in society that affect the common mwananchi.

Brigeddia joined Churchill Show in 2014 when he was spotted by a talent scout at a hotel where he had been performing.

"I didn't know they had a chance comical poetry in the show. I went for the audition and they liked my presentation and called me to perform on the show," he revealed in a previous interview.

Here is a video of Brigeddia General performing on Churchill Show: 

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