Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, alias Kate Actress, recently met her all-time crush, South African actor Hlomla Dandala, during a visit to South Africa.
Kate Actress and Hlomla Dandala
Kate shared a photo of the two of them on her Instagram page, writing,
“He is my all-time crush and star of the show tonight.”
Dandala is a renowned South African actor, television presenter, and director. He is best known for his roles in the series The River, Happiness Is a Four Letter Word, and The Republic.
Kate was in South Africa to attend the launch of the new Netflix series Justice Served. She was accompanied by her colleagues Blessing Lung’aho, Melissa Kiplagat, and Melvin Alusa.
Kate is happily married to Kenyan film director Phillip Karanja, and together they have two children, Leon and Njeri.
Phillip celebrated his wife’s new milestone by commenting on her Instagram post, saying that he is happy for her and asking when she will be returning to Kenya.
Kate’s meeting with Hlomla Dandala is a reminder that dreams can come true. It is also a testament to the power of social media, which can connect people from all over the world.
Kate Actress has refuted claims that her son opted to stay with his stepfather Philip Karanja alias Phil the Director after their separation.
Kate and Phil announced their separation on Tuesday, saying they had amicably agreed to end their union. They said they were still friends, business partners, and co-parents.
However, a blogger on Wednesday claimed that Kate’s son had opted to stay with Phil after his mother went separate ways with Phil while she would stay with the daughter.
Kate responded to the claims on social media, saying, “This is rubbish!”
She also said that her separation from Phil was never a secret and thanked fans for their support.
Some social media users suggested that the whole separation could have been staged for clout after Phil’s business associate and best friend, Abel Mutua, put up a cheeky post on Instagram.
Mutua insinuated that he too had broken ranks with Phil, a BMW owner, due to their “vehicular differences.”
Both Kate and Phil laughed off the statement with laugh emojis.
It is clear that Kate and Phil are committed to co-parenting their children despite their separation. They have also requested privacy for themselves and their children during this difficult time.
Award-winning Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, also known as Kate Actress, has penned a message of appreciation to her fans and followers days after announcing her divorce from husband Director Phillip Karanja.
In her message, Kate expressed gratitude towards everyone who had messaged or called her inquiring about how she is fairing on with life.
“Courage is not the absence of Fear đâŚThank you so much for all the Dms., calls, and texts. Asanteni sana đ¤,” she said.
The message of appreciation comes days after Kate revealed that she had parted ways with her hubby Phillip Karanja amicably.
The Breakup Announcement
The two love birds issued a joint statement on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, stating that their marriage ended a while ago but opted to keep it private.
“We came to a conclusion to end our marriage a long while ago and separated. We sincerely request everyone to honour our wishes for privacy for us and our children. Signed Kate and Phil,” the joint statement read.
Kate added: âWas never a secret, we just kept it private. To all our dear fans, Asanteni sana for the support over the years,â.
Kate’s message of appreciation to her fans is a reminder of the importance of community and support during difficult times. It is also a reminder that even celebrities are not immune to heartbreak and loss.
In a previous interview with Fashionable StepMum on YouTube two years ago, Kate Actress opened up about her complicated relationship with her mom-in-law and her now ex-husband Phil Karanja.
Kate praised her mom-in-law for her relationship with her son, but admitted that they had their own issues. “You can feel the energy. It wasn’t pleasant. You can feel the sneaky comments. But I wasn’t a charity case. I was sure of myself. I knew what I was bringing to the table. Your son isn’t coming to rescue us. I was doing well with my son even before.”
She also revealed that she had warned Phil that she would leave the marriage if she saw anyone mistreating her son. “I had made it clear to Phil and for him to communicate to his family that if I see any mistreatment towards my son, that is a deal breaker na mimi sinaga kesho.”
Kate also praised Phil as a rare gem of a man who entered into their union with serious commitment. “It is not easy. Phil is one in a million. Marriage is not for everyone. Marriage nayo ni calling. It might not be for you. Don’t force it. If it happens to you thank you Lord. If it does not please move on…. Life is for the living, please date again.”
Despite the challenges in their marriage, Kate and Phil have remained committed to co-parenting their son and maintaining a civil relationship.
The recent split between Kate Actress and Phillip Karanja, two of Abel Mutua’s closest friends, has been given a humorous spin.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Mutua created his own humorous statement by mocking the couple’s amicable breakup.
Abel Mutua announced in his tongue-in-cheek statement that he would no longer be friends with Mr. Karanja because of their “vehicular differences.”
Mutua made a humorous fun at Phillip Karanja’s choice of vehicle by drawing inspiration from the couple’s joint statement.
âJOINT STATEMENT Mkuru & Director Phil. Nairobi 20 September 2023 âWe have come to the conclusion that going our separate ways is best for both of us. This is due to our vehicular differences. Associating with a BMW owner has taken a toll on me and we wish that you please respect our decision. Signed Mkuru and Phil,â.
Since then, the message has drawn responses from Kate Actress and Philip, a previous couple.
Kate joked back in a lighthearted manner, stating,
âNugu wewe,â
In a lighthearted attitude, Director Phil continued,
The marriage between Kate Actress and Phil Karanja has ended, and social commentator Andrew Kibe has something to say about it.
Like most Kenyans, Kibe has something to say on his X.com account.
Kibe attacked Kate’s remarks by playing an earlier video of her talking about fathers who stand up, as well as one showing how Phil welcomed her after a trip to South Africa.
Aiee the pain that is in Nairobi right now. Watu wa roho mbaya come her. I will ask you one question. Finally, she has left that msee. I talked about it a few months back. Do you guys remember when she came from South Africa? And she was crying …
Men what did I show you how many times am I going to teach this lesson If you dont learn a lesson you will perish, men, you will find yourself on how to keep the calm edition. When you find yourself here, it means you are a joke. Niliwashow aje? Please if you hear she is a single mum tell her…eheeh look at the time si nita kucall. Toka mbio kaa mwizi.
Buda! Us baby daddy’s I want to teach you we have full access to those **Bro any person who has my child iyo ni yangu I can pick it up anytime I want. Even if it is my last day on earth and I need one last time, I will just pick any one of my baby mamas. You can walk in or out anytime, all day all night. The only thing that is keeping her relationship alive is because you don’t want her. The day you want her, that guy is crying. “
Kibe reiterated his warning to “tunuthias,” as he refers to men who look after children who are not their own. Kate thanks men in that video for,
 “I just want to salute the men who step in who took over and just nurtured, mad mad respect and God bless you and for not making us feel less, but supporting our dreams and pushing us to become even better moms, wives. Thank you so much.
Tunuthia, how long do I have to keep telling you? Mnacheki venye mnasukwa hapo. Oh God bless you young man, for taking care of children that are not yours, and God is going to come through for you, not me but God”Â
Many Kenyans were taken aback when Phil Karanja and Kate Actress announced their marriage was ending.
Although there were early indications that the couple might be having problems, many chose to ignore them in light of the collaborative video they created assuring people of their relationship.
Nevertheless, several Kenyans (especially those of the fairer gender) have slyly offered as a salve to the undoubtedly bereaved Phil now that the highly prosperous couple has called it quits.
vg_mumle, “My Phil, if you need a shoulder to lean on, I will be there. You deserve betterâ¤ď¸â¤ď¸.” Read more.”
Sueshepherd0, “Baba Njeri, thanks now you are single.”
Esther Njoki, “Director Phil, I think you are my lost rib.”
Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, and her husband Philip Karanja, also known as Phil Director, have confirmed their separation in a joint statement released on their Instagram stories on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
The couple said that they came to the decision to end their marriage a while ago but decided to keep it private. They requested everyone to respect their privacy and the privacy of their children.
Phil also confirmed the separation on his Instagram page, asking people to allow them to move on with their lives separately. He said that he and Kate remain friends, co-parents, and business partners.
Kate and Phil are a well-known couple in the Kenyan entertainment industry. They have collaborated on various projects together, including the film “Sue na Jonnie.”
Their separation comes after months of rumors about their relationship status. In April, both Kate and Phil denied the rumors, but they have now confirmed the split.
We wish Kate and Phil all the best in their future endeavors.
In a joint statement, the couple said that they have been separated for a while and that they are asking for privacy during this time.
“We came to a conclusion to end our marriage a long while ago and are separated. We sincerely request everyone to honour our wishes for privacy for us and our kids,” the statement read.
Phil also stated that they will continue to be friends, co-parents, and business partners.
The couple was set to celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary in November. They got married at Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club in November 2017.
Kate Actress and Phil have a daughter together and they also raised a son from Kate’s previous relationship.
I wish Kate Actress and Phil Karanja all the best in their future endeavors.
Kate Actress has given a hint that she may not be in good terms with her hubby Phil Director.
Kate Actress’ Instagram account reveals that recent photos and content of her husband Phil Director have been archived or deleted.
In February 2023, she had celebrated Phil’s 36th birthday with adorable #TBT photos on an Instagram post.
The last post of Phil Director on her Instagram account is on 8th November 2021.
On the flipside, Director’s Instagram remains intact with everything, but he made his last post on April 6th this year.
The film director and his wife Kate Actress welcomed their first child on December 15, 2019, and just like other dads, he was in the delivery room to support his wife.
Would this mean that they might no longer be together?
Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau aka Kate Actress has earned praise from Kenyans over her impeccable outfits that match every occasion. She has received her flowers from numerous celebrities over the same; including Shorn Arwa; who is always on celebrities’ necks when it comes to their dress-codes.
Kate actress recently excited fans after stealing the show at the Wakanda Forever Premiere.
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever team has been running a series of premieres across the world ahead of the November 11 official launch of the film.
Investing For Beauty
Most celebrities are embracing fashion in order to prove their worth and even attract endorsements. And all this means proper investment. As a celebrity, fans won’t show you respect if you repeat your outfits- the pressure becomes too much for some. But others like Kate Actress, it’s a necessity to invest in outfits to match any occasion.
The thespian divulged that her outfits cost 100K; and her secret to such sleek outfits is the designer.
”I think the first thing is getting the designer right. A person that understands you, your body… And your personality as well. Because sometimes you have to dress your personality, not just your body.”
When asked how much she thinks celebrities should invest per event, actress maintained Ksh 100K will suffice.
”That’s for me. Because I always want to do more…”
Kate has been standing out from other celebrities when it comes to wearing unique outfits. And her designer, monikered Naomi, has been behind the scenes for the thespian’s outfits success.
Actress Catherine Kamau has lately been keeping a low profile; unlike back when she was all over social media with her projects.
This is probably because she is a wife and new mum to a year old daughter; and with 24 hours a day – clearly Catherine Kamau canât carter to hubby; and still maintain her previous lifestyle on social media like before.
However speaking to Spm Buzz during a recent interview; Kate made it known that she is doing everything possible to ensure her personal life doesnât affect her career in any way. Speaking about this Kate said;
 I try as much as possible to re-invest myself once in a while; so I can keep up with the trend
On the same interview we also learnt that Catherine Kamau surprisingly has no plans on having more kids. I mean how? Is hubby, Director Phil also on this?
Iâm assuming her decision is a result of the fatigue that comes with parenthood; especially since she also happened to have her second born in her mid 30âs.
Anyway, according to the actress, the two kids (one from previous relationship) she currently has are enough for her; and will not be adding any more anytime soon or in the future.
Catherine Kamau with husband, Phil Karanja
Speaking to Spm Buzz, Catherine Kamau said;
 I have two children and am done.
Well – chances are that she is speaking for herself and not hubby, Phil Karanja; who may be interested in more kids especially since he only has one baby, that is Njeri. But who knows!
Age is but a number is a saying majority of ladies have embraced, whether in their 40s, 50s or older.
Many have been introduced to the faces of celebrities but very few have met the earlier generation. Mothers who bore children who got to grace the limelight but very little said about where they came from.
Women who however maintained their looks, youthfulness, sense of style, their vibrancy and beauty.
Vera Sidika got to celebrate her mother on her special day – her birthday – sharing beautiful photos of the woman she always called âmumâ and cherishes to date. A woman who has maintained her class and vibrancy.
Bahatiâs baby mama got to parade the 3 generations in a sweet photo with her nieces and nephews, with a mother blessed to be called âgrandmumâ but taking one step at a time.
We get to finish off with a bonus of the multi-talented singer and actress who recently marked her momâs birthday in a heartwarming tweet before sharing a photo of her young, adorable mom who is sure aging backwards. âMy mum turned a year older today. Cheki dem.â
A good Samaritan has ran to the rescue of former Tusker Project Fame star, David Major Ogola who was spotted looking miserable on the streets of Nairobi.
Yesterday night, a series of photos of an unkempt, stray man surface. Only for curious Kenyans to identify the face to a guy who once staged an incredible performance with his soothing voice on the popular TPF show.
A decade later, this is the unfortunate image of him that many get to see.
The good Samaritan
David Major Ogola has now been taken to safety after former TPF alumnus and current comedian Alvan Gatitu successfully traced the whereabouts of the former TPF star.
Alvan Gatitu runs to David Ogolaâs rescue
This was through the help of one Margaret, who found him at a hangout joint in Thika, got him cleaned up and even made his hair to make him look a bit more decent.
âWe are talking, he is a bit out of it now but keeping you posted in a few. Wacha tuongee,â Alvan informed the public.
Former Tusker Project Fame star finally rescued
Kate actress offers to help
Alvan Gatituâs kind actions have attracted the attention of top Kenyan personalities among them Catherine Kamau aka Kate actress who painfully penned;
âMy heart is broken into pieces. A good samaritan found him. @alvangatitu is with him now.â
Fans openly shared details of individuals they believed could help in getting back the former TPF contestant in shape and the actress was more than grateful.
David Ogola alias D Major is claimed to have lived in the streets for several months, recently getting spotted along Mirema drive, Kasarani, in the last couple of days.
D Major languishing in poverty
The former TPF star is alleged to be the son of the late Dr Margaret Ogola, a renowned Kenyan award-winning author best known for her novel âThe River and the Sourceâ.
Kate actress is sure a fun personality to be around. This time round, she opens up on life as a teenager, being a young mom, ditching studies for the film industry and finally meeting the love of her life.
The curvy, fashion enthusiast was hosted by Churchill comedian MC Jessy who was left in stitches for a better part of the interview, unable to contain Kate actressâ high sense of humor.
Apparently, the award-winning actress was thrown out of school, since a young age, because of her character and love for drama, at the expense of her studies.
Attending 2 high schools and 3 Universities, hopping from one to another for different reasons. However, her mom never gave up on her, fighting for her education and this leaves Kate actress so indebted to her.
Catherine Kamau’s mum
It so happened that her mom footed KSh400k to take her to an International University in Uganda, after studying at KCA proved difficult, only for her daughter to return home 3 months later, pregnant.
Since then life was never easy, the 19-year old mom took up motherly duties for her son, life proved difficult but Kate learnt to be strong and mature.
Catherine Kamau with her son back in the day
The beauty later got into Multimedia University where she landed her role at Mother-in-law that has since opened big doors for her.
She toiled day and night and put in all the hard work just to bring up her son in a conducive environment.
Kate actressâ all-grown teenage son
The meet with Phil Karanja
At Mother-in-law, Kate met Phil but not in a good way. Kate was this donât care woman, living life like there is no tomorrow while Phil was the focused, visionary man.
Phil Karanja and Kate actress
Kate strongly disliked him, but it was until she got her act together that Phil started having a soft spot for her.
Slowly, the two got pretty close but now there was a teenage son on board whose opinions needed to be heard.
Kateâs son never liked her mumâs boyfriend from the beginning, but after some time, the two became close friends. And it was just before their wedding date that he for the first time called Phil âdadâ.
Phil Karanja with their son
On their wedding date, it was a teary affair as the boy read out a loving speech to the Phil It co-founder who turned emotional.
âOn our wedding day, my son read a speech telling Phil thank you for stepping in. Thank you for being my dad, you earned itâ.
The list of the just concluded Couture Africa Style Awards 2020 finalists is finally out.
A coveted African award that saw a good number of Kenyaâs A-list female celebrities work day and night just to be the ones to clinch awards for different categories but like they all say, there can only be one winner.
Fortunately, there are still wins in the Kenyan celebrity space to applaud among them being curvy YouTuber Maureen Waititu and the stylish Catherine Kamau aka Kate actress.
The former Mother-in-Law actress has proven her unique taste and sense of style when it comes to fashion, ever going extra be it Monday, Friday or Sunday.
Kate Actress clinches two Awards at the coveted Couture Africa Awards 2020
Crowning it during the Couture Africa Awards 2020, where she made a stylish appearance in a classy, hot designer black dress, making her steps to the front as she bagged home, two Awards.
She got crowned Most Stylish Entertainer of the Year and Most Stylish Person of the Year during the fashion awards.
The beauty who did not take anything to chance, made a ground-breaking appearance at the event, teasing her loyal fans;
âImagine dressing up this much alafu nikose ku win ????, aki you guys always come through ???? Asanteni Sana..â
Kate Actress at the coveted Couture Africa Awards 2020
Ms Waititu on the other hand, sure did not disappoint. Stepping out looking like a million bucks, in a stylish, glittering off-shoulder long dress that let out a good part of her thighs as she scooped the Most Stylish Female Content Creator of the Year 2020 Award.
âHere to say that I am filled with gratitude to all who have not stopped believing in me, those who pray and cheer me on, those who encourage me and even those who have put me down,â she beautifully captioned.
Maureen Waititu at the coveted Couture Africa Awards 2020
Baby K was indeed a blessing to Kenyan celebrity actress, Catherine Kamau, clearly seen in lovely photos of the two cuddling and sweetly exchanging glances.
Despite her young age, Kate actress has made it a priority to dress her gorgeous baby girl in stunning outfits, setting the bar high enough for her princess’ future.
Kate actress flaunts her new bundle of joy, baby K
Most recently, the two dressed in well-knitted ankara dresses with a black turtle neck underneath, admitting that in her daughter’s eyes, they are mini besties and she is obsessed with that.
âTo the hopeful mums to be, am sending you lots of hugs, and prayers. You will hold yours soon. Remember there are many ways to becoming a mum, just don’t give up hope????. I wish you well,â she penned.
Kate actress with little daughter Karla Njeri Karanja
Her hubby, Phil Karanja on the other hand, who was most likely the one behind the lens adorably gushed at a sweet photo of the two, all smiles and looking stunning in their beautiful ankara outfits;
âCan’t stop staring ????,â he remarked.
Catherine Kamau looking stunning with Baby K
The former Mother-in-law star welcomed her first child with husband Phil Karanja in December 2019, now almost all-grown. Baby Karla Njeri Karanja is however the actress’ second child after siring her first child, a son during her teen years.
The Karanjas
The lovebirds are yet to hint on welcoming more babies in the near future with Kate actress hinting she is done with that chapter.
Fans who could not stop envying the gorgeous girls, adored:
denise_madamproducer Your 3 hairs are perfect just the way they are!!!! Also, our baby K is adorbs!!!! ????????????????
It’s Thursday and you know what we do, throw it back to the days before the camera job became everyone’s talent or even before flawlessness on photos became a thing.
The past remains a memory; days when life might not have been as cool as today, but days that saw majority grow into what they are today and to forever remain cherished.
We throw it back to some of Kenya’s top celebrities, be it in their childhood days, campus life or early adulthood years. With no particular order to it, let’s kick off with crazy TBT photos of Internet sensation Diana Marua. Way back when she was living her best life as a slender city girl so in love that she would never mind one or two outings with her exes.
So there was this time the then dark-skinned babe and her ex trooped to Hell’s Gate Park for a bit of catch up and this was her;
Diana Marua TBT
She seems to have gotten woke with time and in 2013, this was the massive transformation:
Diana Marua back in 2013Party girl Diana Marua slaying in her youth days
We move on to Catherine Kamau aka Kate actress whose throwback photo proves her family’s genes were top-notch. The support system though;
Top Kenyan TV actress, Catherine Kamau
Former K24 news broadcaster Eric Njoka shared a throwback of him quite in his youthful days and ready for the market, just before he made his debut on TV.
Journalist Eric Njoka TBT
As she turned a year older last week, Njugush unearthed a throwback photo of Celestine Ndinda presumably during her campus days, sitted in what seemed like a hostel and Njugush captioned “Remember the journey always!!!”
Celestine Ndinda throwback
A recent hot photo of Akothee when she would step out a bit more decent and in that blue jeans fashion has left fans sprawling to the ground. This looks like a few years back though;
Madam Boss Akothee TBT
It would be an honor to crown the day with Kenya’s top boy band Sauti Sol with TBT photos of the band members.
A young Chimano with his momA young SavaraYoung Bien Aime with his dadPolycarp Otieno in uniform during his early school yearsWillis Chimano TBTKhaligraph posted a TBT photo of Sauti SolChimano and Polycarp TBTBien Aime and Savara in their youth
Catherine Kamau better known as, Kate actress successfully delivered and it might be close to a month ever since. She kept it all away from the public eye, with the festivities and a myriad of busy schedules, she took advantage.
Kate is now a proud mother of two: one boy and a little baby girl, K. As the weekend kicked in, she shared a photo of herself on social media, with a flat belly, at least not a bulging one and it was obvious she had delivered.
Kate actress drops a bomb after stepping out with a flat belly
Taken aback, fans quickly shared light comments on her page, some admitting that baby K might have already been admitted to kindergarten while they were busy waiting for her delivery.
Aiya…. While we were eating Xmas goats looks like K even joined kindergarten ????
Yaani nangoja baby K azaliwe kumbe ni meno anamea aliwasili kitambo
@julez_oscar manze tuko pamoja ????????nimeona status 3wks later and I was like…????????????..nimekua nikingoja breaking news za arrival of bby k.????..aki kate..isorit..congratulations ????
@kate_actress you really do know how to confuse your enemy
Wait…what?????
â¤ď¸????May Allah protect you and baby k…inshaAllah
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????congrats though kukutrust n ngumu????????????
Her dear hubby, Phillip Karanja then drops his comment:
Yo yo yo yo yo????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
A humbled Kate then gushes:
@phil_director my looooooove thank you for taking care of us â¤ď¸â¤ď¸â¤ď¸????????
Aww! It gets sweeter as Phil quickly responds:
@kate_actress my Queens you deserve nothing but the best ????????????????????????
Confession
Kate goes ahead to share a photo while holding baby K to her bosom and captions:
Throwback ! Baby K at 2 weeks ????…
Kate actress flaunts her new bundle of joy, baby K
Adding that it might seem like they are hiding their little one from the public while in reality, she is hiding the ´cruel´ world from her.
we are not hiding her from the world , just hiding the world from her . Such a cruel world ???? especially here on social media . Thank you for all the congratulatory messages .
She drops a scare, insinuating that the world may never meet her little one.
You shall meet her when we are ready ????????â¤ď¸ .. if ever ????
Fans soon after urge:
Congratulations to you and @phil_director on your little bundle of joy ???????? I’m so very happy for you both. And always do what feels best for you and Baby K ????
Kate actress has been trolled for not having a baby soon after Kambua´s pregnancy but she hasn´t taken it lightly and tells fans off.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxPtXc4gubZ/
Q&A
Well, the curvy beauty kicked of her day by engaging in a Q&A with fans online posing:
Ask me a question I have time today.
Of course za ufala nitalenga.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtaUPzAAEmj/
A curios fan asks:
Getting a baby any [time] soon?
The mother of 1 responds:
Hizi sijibu tu relax.
Pris kuna mtu nimefungia jam?
Then another naughty one poses:
Mtoi wa pili anakam when?
Well, Celina gave them a piece of her mind:
Now why do you want a rude answer?
I said none of your business.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxCfLZ3AVby/
History
Catherine Kamau better known as Celina, is married to former Tahidi high actor-cum-director, Phillip Karanja.
She has a son, Leon, from her previous relationship, back when she was aged 19, who is now all grown.
When Phil married the beauty who speaks elegance, he took in her son too, who now blend as father and son.
The two blend so well, they carry each other like brothers though Phil assures that his role as a father and teacher come first.
Kate´s piece of advice for the single mothers is they need to be true to themselves and to their children if at all they hope that a real gentleman comes their way.
