Kenyan actress and comedian Jackie Vike, popularly known as Awinja, on Friday, May 30 night had a candid conversation with TV47’s Betty Kyalo, during which she narrated how she lost her younger brother.

Awinja, who rose to fame through local show Papa Shirandula revealed that her brother was shot dead, his only mistake was having the wrong company.

“My brother, for instance, was killed because of alleged association with thugs. The people he was hanging around with, the fact that if you are a thug, you get chicks easily, or probably when you hover or hang around thugs,” Awinja revealed.

As a result of the trauma of losing her brother, who was shot dead in 2011 when he was just 20 years, Awinja said she developed a strong urge to move out of the ghetto.

“When I lost my brother, I felt like this was not a place for me.”

Discovering passion

The entertainer elaborated that she discovered her passion for acting during her school years. She recounted how participating in school drama festivals ignited her interest in performance arts. 

Despite initial reservations from her parents, she pursued acting, eventually joining the Kenya National Theatre, where she honed her skills and built a foundation for her career. 

“My mother paid aviation school for me. She wanted me to be an air hostess, but my passion was never there, it’s clear that I was passionate on acting.”

Additionally, the mother of one opened up about her journey into motherhood, describing it as her most significant role yet emphasizing the importance of financial stability before starting a family, a goal she achieved through dedication and hard work. 

“My son Mosi means a lot to me as he is my first child” she said. Balancing her career and personal life, Awinja credits her support system for helping her navigate the challenges of parenting while maintaining her presence in the entertainment industry.

 “Kina Anthony Tosh, Lawrence na wengine ndio nilikuwa nawaambia kwanza na wamenisupport sana.”

Awinja’s journey offered viewers with an intimate look into the life of a talented actress who has overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to become a prominent figure in Kenyan entertainment industry, serving as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the power of perseverance and authenticity.