Entertainment

Former Tusker Project Fame (TPF) contestant Alvan Gatitu has revealed that he quit his pastoral job to join the popular singing competition show that aired on Citizen TV.

Speaking in an interview with MC Jessy on March 24, Gatitu who has since become a Tik Tok sensation, stated that at the time he got to audition for TPF he had stepped down as a pastor in his church.

"I left for many reasons, but one thing is I did not agree with the church's doctrine. It caused so much damage in my life and I questioned what was the purpose of being used by the church to get the masses when I was having some much turmoil in my life," he disclosed. 

Alvan disclosed that in that period he got into drinking and would at times perform while having hangovers. 

Former TPF contestant Alvan Gatitu during an interview in Mrach 2021.

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"I just left and coincidentally a friend of mine handed me a brochure for the singing competition to go and audition," he recalled.

The tik tok star noted that he left early for the auditions and did not tell anyone where he was going. He was eventually picked to star in the show.

He had not even told his parents that he had auditioned and his family got to know he was on the show when his photo appeared in the promo of the show as one of the contestants.

Alvan noted that there was a lot of backlash from the religious circles as to him going to sing for a show that was sponsored by an alcoholic beverage brand.

"My mother was going through so much backlash but I was confident in myself and I told people who questioned my decision that the God in me would see me through," he stated.

He stated that his family and friends came to support him during the live shows and that made him emotional.

After the show ended and the eventual winner Valerie Kimani was crowned, Alvan who came in second, turned back to drinking as he faced more stigma from the church.

He also revealed that Kimani turned him down when he tried to pursue a romantic relationship.

"I go into heavy drinking, I would wake up drunk and go to bed drunk as well. I even got into hard drugs like cocaine," he disclosed.

Gatitu would later travel to South Africa on a road trip before deciding to turn his life around and came back to Kenya.

In 2020, he was back in the limelight where he kicked out of his house after being unable to pay rent. Kenyan came to his rescue where they raised over Ksh2.5 million for him during that period.

Alvan is currently a radio presenter with Trace Radio where he hosts a breakfast show every Monday to Friday from 6 am to 10 am.

Former Tusker Project Fame (TPF) star and internet sensation Alvan Gatitu at Trace Radio

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Former Tahidi High actor Joseph Kinuthia, popularly known as Omosh, on Thursday, March 19, shared a video of his new house that is still under construction. 

Omosh was proud of his progress ever since he broke down at an interview and asked for aid from well-swishers. 

Construction workers could be seen at work building the three bed-room stone house ensuite with an American open plan kitchen.

Tahidi High Omosh's new house under construction

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"This is my living room. I will be sitting here watching cartoon programs on my television, toying around with my remote control. What a beautiful and wonderful life," a buoyed up Omosh revelled. 

The land, a 40x80 plot and 50 bags of cement were donated by Zero Hero properties. The construction was funded by Linnet Kathambi, the CEO of a firm known as Sung Timber. 

Omosh's followers reacted to his video, most of them wishing him well and praying he enjoys his life. 

"To God be the glory," one Ishabylshee said.

"This video really motivates me now that I am pursuing the same project. Feels good," Web Owuor added. 

The actor also announced that he had landed a new acting deal with a local filmmaker. The actor will be one of the cast in a TV series dubbed Sire. 

"This is going to be the best tv series. Coming your way soon. A film by Andrew Ogonji, the best director in Africa," Omosh said. 

After coming out and admitting to struggling in life, the thespian was overwhelmingly assisted by fellow celebrities and Kenyans. Omosh complained that he owed rent over Ksh 150,000 and could not provide basic needs for his family. 

Comedian Felix Odiwour, Jalang’o, helped him raise over Ksh1 million for him plus a Ksh20K shopping voucher, free bed, seats and a TV.

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Yasmin Said, famously known as Maria is reportedly set to join MNETS popular show Selina after starring in Citizen TV’s drama series Maria which was replaced by the upcoming show Zora. 

Maria's season finale was aired on Thursday, March 18, with Maria (Yasmin Said) wedding Luwi - a character played by celebrated actor Brian Ogana. The show was produced by Jiffy Pictures and Citizen TV's power couple Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla. 

Sources privy to the engagement said that Selina scriptwriters are contemplating ways they can draft Yasmin, one of the most followed actresses, into the East African show.

Brian Ogana (Luwi) and Yasmin Said (Maria) pose for a photo before shooting the season finale of Citizen TV's drama Maria

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"I believe she is set to join the cast. Though the details are still scarce. They are holding discussions," the insider told Kenyans.co.ke on Friday, March 19. 

Celestine Gachuhi, the main cast in Selina series on Maisha Magic East, hinted at Yasmin working together with her and award-winning actors, Pascal Tokodi and Brenda Wairimu alongside Tik-Tok star Azziad Nasenya. 

"Would you love to see Yasmin Said "Maria" on Selina?" Gachuhi played cagey with the details and decided to keep her followers guessing. 

Yasmin and Tokodi starred in King Kaka's song NakuLove alongside the late Charles Bukeko (Papa Shirandula) in June 2020. Nasenya joined Selina the same month after her fame skyrocketed on social media platforms.  

Selina drama tells the story of Selina (played by Celestine Gachuhi) an intelligent young woman of humble beginnings who has excelled in her fourth form exams and is bound to join the university.

Her mischievous stepmother, Kristina, crafts a wicked plot to sell her off to work as a maid for the Mackenzies, putting on hold her dreams to pursue further education. 

Selina comes from humble beginnings, but she’s smart and ambitious. Her new employer soon sees her true value.

The actress couldn't be reached for comment on her future and career. 

Selina cast pose for a cover photo.

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Kenyan musician Christian of the renowned Afropop group Longombas was buried at a cemetery in the US on Thursday, March 18. 

The burial was invite-only, with a number of Kenyan celebrities and musicians travelling to the US to stand with the family. 

His twin brother turned deacon Prophet Lovy shared the photos of Christian's last journey. 

"Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the life of your servant and my brother Christian Longomba. He was always yours and now he has returned unto you.

Lovy of Longombas and family members bury his brother Christian at a US cemetery on Thursday, March 18, 2021

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"Glory and honour belongs to you now and forever. Abba, comfort the family and his faithful supporters, Amen," Lovy said. 

Christian was buried in a white coffin and laid to rest in a white cemented grave. His family released several white doves in the air to celebrate his life on earth. 

An emotional Lovy later made a sermon in honour of his brother who battled a brain tumour for the past six years. 

Christian passed away on Saturday, March 13, while receiving treatment at Downtown Los Angeles Hospital in the US.

Lovy said that he stood by his brother's side and comforted him before he passed on. 

"To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. I love you Christian, My brother, my friend & partner but Jesus loves you more. Enjoy Heaven," he posted on his social media.

The duo is famous for hit songs, Dondosa, Shika More, Vuta Pumz and Queen.

Lovy of Longombas speaks at his brother's funeral at a US cemetery on Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Christian Longomba's family release white doves into the air after his burial ceremony on Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Lovy of Longombas at his brother Christian's, graveyard at a US cemetery on Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Citizen TV's popular show Maria is set to air for the last time on Thursday, March 18, an act that will draw the curtain on the family drama that first aired in 2019.

A source familiar with the producers and the show disclosed that the Royal Media Services station was angling towards a new show, Zora, that is expected to pick up as a fan's favourite, a tag Maria maintained since its premiere. 

Maria show was rated as the most-watched in the country by various poll firms and saw Citizen TV maintain the slot as Kenya's top television station. 

"The show will come to an end on Thursday, March 18. The producers felt its plot was exhausted, and the scriptwriters felt there was no need to extend it," the source told Kenyans.co.ke.

Maria cast pose for a photo with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in Mombasa County on Friday, January 29, 2021

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One of the producers and Jiffy pictures CEO, Citizen TV anchor Lulu Hassan, had downplayed ending the show during a recent Q&A with her fans on Instagram. On Tuesday, February 9, she said that the show still had more twists and turns in store for the audience. 

However, insiders detailed that this was a plot to keep the fans guessing as her production work moved towards releasing the new show Zora, which will replace Maria on Citizen TV. 

Zora, starring former Tahidi High actress, Sarah Hassan will be aired from Monday to Friday from 7:30 pm to 8 pm. The same time slot had been allocated to Maria for the past two years. 

On her Instagram page, on Wednesday, March 17, Lulu also indicated that Maria was ending, urging fans to expect the climax.

"The race doesn't always belong to the swift nor the battle to the strong. It belongs rather to those who run the race, who stay the course and who fight the good fight. Could this be it, will this be the much anticipated happily ever after for both Maria and Luwi?" Lulu posted. 

Maria won the Best TV drama with Maria (Yasmin Said) scooping the Best Lead Actress in the TV Drama category at the Kalasha 2020 Awards held on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Brian Ogana (Luwi) was also nominated for Best Lead Actor. 

Lulu Hassan won the best producer in the TV Drama Award during the Women in Film Awards 2021 (WIFA) ceremony held on Wednesday, March 10.

In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke in 2019, Lulu, wife to Citizen TV co-anchor and co-producer Rashid Abdalla, said that they took a risk with Maria, and was grateful that their experiments paid off. For the show, the duo sought new blood which debuted in the film alongside veteran casts such as Ogana and Bridget Shighadi (Sophia). 

Citizen TV anchors Lulu Hassan (left) and Rashid Abdalla with matching pilot uniforms during a bulletin in June 2020.

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The actors are one of the most followed in the country with several social media fan pages created by their followers for engagement and interactions. 

Yasmin Said (Maria), the lead actress in her first media interview with Kenyans.co.ke.in 2019, lauded Lulu and Rashid for their passion and zeal to produce local drama. Other than Maria and Zora, the duo is the face behind popular shows Kovu, Moyo and Aziza.

" At a point, I feel like I will pursue acting further. I want to use this opportunity to scale heights and to have other doors open for me in the film industry. The name Maria might also stick with me as most people love it.

"I always appreciate Lulu and Rashid, each and every day. Their personalities speak volumes of how great they are destined for success," Yasmin then said. 

The wealthy, including locals and tourists, are living large on the Kenyan coast, spending millions of shillings on the culture and emerging trends. 

Among the trends are yacht rides, which cost approximately Ksh 35,000 per hour during the day and Ksh 20,000 per night when a guest books it as lodging. The luxurious boats are reported to be a perfect vacation for the billionaires club. 

"A yacht's facilities are different from a boat's. It has nice bedrooms, washrooms, and kitchens. 

A yacht docked at a port in Mombasa

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"One can take a nap in one of the lounges to enjoy the breeze or can also book one for parties," a local sailor disclosed. 

The sailors take one on a stroll along the Kenyan coastal waters, checking out sweeping ocean vistas, mansions and learning the history of coastal towns by cruising up to Fort Jesus. 

Exotic and expensive drinks are also offered aboard the yachts, with bands allowed to perform for guests. Some also offer wedding and birthday events at negotiable prices. 

Most of the luxury boats are reportedly owned by tycoons who employ the local youth as sailors, waitresses and bartenders. 

Other private yachts also dock at the coast as tycoons ship their own luxury boats prior to enjoying holidays. In 2013, The Tatoosh owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was spotted at the old port of Mombasa. 

In 2016, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the English Point Marina, one of the few private projects granted the Vision 2030 Private Sector Flagship status. 

The Ksh 5 billion project consisted of 96 apartments, eight penthouses and a 26-room hotel, with a harbour for leisure yachts and small boats. However, the plan later stalled as luxury home sales slowed down and the marina business hardly took off.

The Ksh 5 billion English Point Marina at the Coast

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Another trend that was noted at the Coast was floating restaurants. Mombasa investors are turning old dhows into floating hotels to give local and foreign tourists a new experience in the hospitality industry. 

They were remodelled to suit the business classes, which contain bars and lounges, kitchens, dining and resting areas. 

The Ministry of Tourism, under CS Najib Balala, stated that the industry was one of the most affected during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to travel restrictions imposed across the world. Hotels were shut down leading to loss of jobs too. However, the reopening of the country and relaxation of curfews has led to the influx of tourists. 

Customers enjoy meals and music at a floating restaurant aboard a dhow in Mombasa, Kenya

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Former K24 TV anchor Betty Kyalo confronted celebrated US actor, Tyrese Gibson after he shared a wedding photo of the Kenyan journalist with her ex-husband and NTV anchor Dennis Okari. 

Kyallo was irked by the American singer's caption on the photo posted on his Instagram page, claiming that Okari ended up marrying her best friend, Rosy Ohon, who was the maid of honour at their nuptials in 2015. 

Tyrese, the Fast & Furious movie star, said that  “A monster will always be a monster and will only wait for the right moment to strike, and that the people one calls friends always want what you have in your life". 

The US musician also shared a photo of Okari with his current wife, Naomi Joy, claiming that she was Kyallo's maid of honour at the 2015 wedding. 

A screengrab of Betty Kyallo's reply to an alleged Tyrese Gibson post on Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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Betty Kyallo, who was offended by Tyrese's post, urged him to pull it down and issue an apology. She also defended the two ladies, her best maid and Okari's wife, saying that Tyrese misinterpreted the photos. 

"I am that bride and that’s my beautiful maid of honour (Rosy Ohon) who happens to be a very respected gospel artist in my country Kenya. She didn’t do what you purport. Those are two different women. 

"Kindly get your facts right. You are a respectable personality and you owe it to yourself and your following to ascertain the truth before you tarnish people’s character. Thank you. Best from I, Betty and Kenya," Kyallo, who recently returned to KTN, responded. 

In a separate statement, the media personality added that her character had been assassinated by the malice spread by the Hollywood star. 

However, she declined to reveal whether she would file a legal suit. Tyrese had not yet responded by press time. 

Okari and Kyallo divorced after six months after their publicised wedding. The two co-parent to raise their daughter, Ivanna. 

"I think it was getting married a bit young. I was 26 and I think I hadn't seen my full potential, I hadn't lived life, I hadn't explored life by myself and there is no issue with that.

"It wasn't a mistake, mistake but if I was to redo that part of my life, probably, I would have waited a bit. I should have chilled, I should have waited," Kyallo regretted in a past interview.

NTV anchor Dennis Okari weds Betty Kyallo in 2015. The two divorced after six months. Gospel artist Rosy Ohon (circled) was the maid of honour at their wedding,

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NTV anchor Dennis Okari weds his wife Naomi Joy in February 2019

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Former Tusker Project Fame (TPF) star David Ogola alias Major was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, March 2, a week after he came back from rehabilitation. 

His friend and former TPF contestant Alvan Gatitu asked Kenyans to join him in praying for the well-being of Major who he said had suddenly fallen ill. 

Gatitu, through his social media pages, added that Major's health complications surfaced on Saturday, February 27 and got worse three days later, prompting the Tik-Tok star to aid him seek further medical attention. 

"Guys, help me Pray for Major. He suffered four seizures in a span of six hours and had to be hospitalised.

Former TPF contestants David Ogola alias Major and Alvan Gatitu pose for a photo on Monday, February 23.

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"He can't stay with me anymore since he needs to be monitored at a medical facility. He had nowhere else to go," the former TPF star said in a public statement. 

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled nerve cell disturbance in the brain. Its symptoms include temporary confusion, uncontrollable shaking and lack of awareness. 

Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes requires urgent medical attention. Seizures can be caused by brain injuries and infections, drug abuse and epilepsy.

Major has a history of suffering seizures and depression as revealed in a post on his Facebook account in 2018. He spent three months in rehabilitation after Kenyans donated Ksh 100,000 for his recovery. 

The son of the late Dr. Margaret Ogola was rushed to rehab after being homeless and suspected of battling drug abuse. Ogola was a celebrated author, medical doctor, and human rights advocate famous for her novel, The River and the Source.

Gatitu took Major in and hosted him at his house after well-wishers notified him of his friend's plight. 

“We have picked him and taken him to hospital. A team of physicians and psychiatrists are looking after him. We appreciate everyone who has called asking how they can help,” Alvan posted then. 

Former Tusker Project Fame (TPF) star and internet sensation Alvan Gatitu at Trace Radio

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Jasusi, an upcoming crime series has drawn attention online, with a number of content creators and bloggers speculating that it would replace the popular drama series Maria which is aired on Citizen TV. 

The crime show is still under production with a pilot episode to be released soon and will feature Nyakundi Isaboke as the main actor. Isaboke stars as Silas in Citizen TV's film Maria and this was one of the major causes of speculation. 

Jasusi (spy) is written by Dominion Silas and created by filmmaker Director Ogega Andere under the production house, Frinant Pictures. 

Another reason behind the assumption was anchor Lulu Hassan's post on Instagram, on Monday, March 1, through which she announced auditions for a new show. 

A screengrab of a vlog that raised speculation on Jasusi replacing Citizen TV's Maria

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Hassan's new series will be produced by Jiffy Pictures, a production house she co-owns with her husband and fellow Citizen TV anchor Rashid Abdalla. The two are the brains behind the drama series Maria, Maza, Aziza and Moyo. 

Sources privy to Lulu Hassan's upcoming show clarified that the new auditions had nothing to do with Jasusi as rumoured. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Dominion Silas added that Jasusi was also not related to Citizen TV or Maria series. 

"Frinant Pictures is managed by my friend and partner Anthony Ogega. Blue Rose is the entity I own. We are yet to get airtime but we will sell the content to media houses when ready," Dominion said. 

Royal Media Services purchases local content at between Ksh 100,000 to Ksh 250,000 per episode, Ksh 150,000 more than KTN, NTV, K24 and KBC's rate. The four stations purchase content at around Ksh 100,000 per episode. 

MNet purchases local content at between Ksh 400,000 and Ksh 500,000 per episode. 

Dominion added that actors and actresses can be contracted to star in several films. Apart from Nyaboke (Silas in Maria)  Dennis Musyoka (Mr William in Maria) stars as a judge in the new Showmax Kenyan series dubbed Crime & Justice. 

On Tuesday, February 9, Lulu Hassan further refuted reports alleging that Maria show was approaching its climax and that its curtains would soon close. 

"Wadau hii nayo ni moto! (To our fans, the next episode of Maria is spectacular. Keep watching). The show is not ending anytime soon," she posted on her social media pages.  

Jasusi cast pose for a cover photo

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Villain cast in the Jasusi crime series at a production site

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Jasusi cast and producer shoot the pilot episode of the crime series

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Popular media personality Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o has revealed how he tricked Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho into walking in on his surprise birthday party on February 26.

Speaking on air at Kiss FM on Monday, March 1, Jalang’o stated that he collaborated with Joho’s newly founded music label to help throw the party discreetly. 

“The governor has been supporting a new artist called Happy C. We told him that the launch for the new artist's video was happening, only to realise it was his surprise party,” stated Jalas.

A cake cut at Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's birthday party on Friday, February 26, 2021

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Jalang’o said that he collaborated with the governor’s brand manager Eric Gates and the Zero Zero One Music Label. 

“I didn’t want to tell people that I was going. I first asked him whether he was planning anything for his birthday and he told me to go down to the Coast and we'd eat dinner. I told him I would go, but he didn’t know I was planning a party for him,” the media personality explained.

Despite being a trick, the event also saw the launch of Happy C’s video Sema.

The artist whose real name is Happy Chondo, is also an employee of the Mombasa County government. 

Other celebrities who graced Joho’s birthday party included Bensoul and Nviiri who are part of Sauti Sol's music label Sol Generation.

The two Nairobi-based artists promised to have a collabo with Joho’s blue-eyed boy to help grow his fan base. 

The governor, who was celebrating his 45th birthday, said he was impressed by Happy C when he heard him singing for the first time. 

From left: Bensoul, Jalang'o, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, and Nviiri the Storyteller at Joho's private birthday on Friday, February 26, at the Coast

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“When I heard him singing, I immediately called Gates, the radio host and event organiser, and told him to take Happy C to the studio and today he is here releasing his new song Sema,” Joho stated.

Joho urged established artists to help their upcoming counterparts to navigate the competitive entertainment industry. He also said that leaders should support the youth and help nurture their talents and make money. 

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho with musician Happy C at the formers birthday party on February 26, 2021

File