Perhaps one of the most memorable sexual health awareness campaigns in Kenya has been the 2010-2011 'Mpango wa Kando' campaign with the tagline 'Fanya Hesabu''.
Jimmi Gathu was the man who would embody the persona of a conscientious friend daily reminding you that illicit affairs are not only costly but also dangerous.
Speaking with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, June 25, the actor and former Nation FM presenter recalled how Kenyans reacted to the advert and his whereabouts.
"I may not have the statistics with me but one thing for sure, the advert impacted families across the country in terms of protecting their loved ones. That largely was the essence of the campaign. To give people hard facts about pre-marital affairs and the financial obligations that come with it.
"The objective was really not to force people to end the affairs but to plant a seed of the choice to do what is right for the ones you love and I strongly believe we achieved that," Gathu stated.
His ascent to the top was not rosy. For a man who once interviewed President Uhuru Kenyatta in Sheng, Gathu has seen and experienced it all in the media and film industry with over 25 years of experience.
Being fired at Nation FM in 2016 shaped his transformation allowing him to focus his attention on acting, a part of his life he is so passionate about.
"First prayer and a strong relationship with my God lifted me up. Secondly my wife. She has been that source of strength that has kept me going since she didn’t let me wallow in self-pity but literally kicked me to get up and keep going. Then, my kids. They kept reminding me how great I am even when I didn’t feel like it.
"Lastly, my extremely close friends who never shy away from correcting me when I go wrong but in equal measure would keep reminding me how far I have come and how huge my capacity to excel is. People like Ricky Kiplagat, Sadik Sherali among a few," he affirms.
Gathu currently stars in Maisha Magic Plus’ drama series Kina, that is also streaming on Showmax. Gathu plays Fred Tandala, a character he describes as “a happy-go-lucky guy with rebelliousness to him that pushes him to curve his own path despite being born and raised in wealth. He is married to Nana Tandala, played by hitmaker Sanaipei Tande.
Kina follows the ruthless battle for survival between the wealthy and powerful and the downtrodden who toil for the rich but reap nothing from their hard work.
"Well, my transformation has been great! I have always believed in re-defining my parameters within the media focal. I started off as a Master Of Ceremonies for Pre-wedding parties back in 1989 then quickly joined theatre the same year and loved it. I had always been captivated by television in all its form be it as an actor or as show host and on the radio as well, so being in the telenovela space is just part of a long journey that started way back.
"Let me say my sacrifices are no different from the current crop of media personalities in Kenya. I believe each individual has his or her own degree or areas in their personal life that they have given up to be where they are today.
"For me, it has been time. Time with family and friends, though I’ve always managed to balance the time spent with my family because they come first before anything else. Although with Kina, it has been a little challenging," the 50-year-old grandfather stated.
Watch the Mpango wa Kando ad below:
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