Former Inooro TV host Cecilia Wanyoike better known as Cess the Fiesta Gal experienced a life-changing opportunity when she landed her dream job, hosting an entertainment show alongside her brother, John Wanyoike.
Unfortunately, the joy of realising her dreams turned into despair after the show, Ikumbi ria withi, was abruptly stopped, leading her life to fall apart.
She also recounted how multiple interviewers rejected her applications, assuming that they could not manage someone of such a high profile.
In an interview with Reke Ciume na Ene, the former TV host narrated how she battled depression after losing her job and her journey to rebuilding her career.
Born and bred in Murang'a County, Wanyoike noted that her family had to move to Nakuru because of her education. She recalled how life was not easy at the time, but she always found solace in dance, music and art.
According to Wanyoike, this would ultimately lead to her passion for hosting events and shows.
"In 2018, I was informed by my brother, who was already working at Royal Media Services (RMS) of an upcoming dancing show and convinced me to audition. On the fateful day, hundreds of people had lined up for the opportunity which got me to second-guess myself. But luckily, I was among 59 people who were shortlisted," she narrated.
Wanyoike pointed out that during the auditions, she maximised the opportunity to showcase her dancing and hype prowess. Her fluency in vernacular language was also an added advantage.
"I did multiple screen tests. One of the interviewers also asked if I would cut my rasta hair if I got the job and I stated that I was willing."
She noted that the interviewers were intrigued with the idea of siblings hosting an entertainment show because of the chemistry they would have on stage. Hence, she was informed that she got the job.
Wanyoike described the life-changing moment as the beginning of her meteoric rise. According to Cecilia, she gained fame over the course of hosting the show for two years, rubbing shoulders with the who's who in the industry.
Nevertheless, circumstances would change for the former RMS employee in 2020, during the pandemic period.
"During the Pandemic, RMS stated that all shows with an audience were to be cancelled. We were sent on a break which lengthened and left us wondering what would happen. We wondered whether we were fired or whether we would come back," she added.
"At the time, I thought it would last only a month, but after a few months passed, I began questioning whether we would come back on air."
She narrated the challenges of coping with the situation, as the thrill of the show and the fame had come to a screeching halt.
"It affected me a lot because it was my first job hence it was cut short, and I fell into depression. I completed my savings after a few months and was wondering what to do next."
At the time, she explained the difficulties in securing other employment opportunities, recounting instances where interviewers rejected her application, assuming that they could not manage someone with a high level of fame.
"I regret going on TV because my fans would ask questions wondering what happened to the show. They also expect that you are loaded but at that point, I was broke."
"Some interviewers would decline to employ me, stating that since I'm a public figure, I would ask for a hefty pay. These are some of the reasons that made me regret going on TV."
Wanyoike noted that her silver lining came after she got a job opportunity at Weru TV to work as a presenter. This coincided with her expecting her first child at the time.
"After getting my young child, I got a job offer at Weru TV, I worked there for months but I'm currently on a break. I want to focus on content creation and my family," she disclosed.
