Why Jackie Matubia Traded a Comfortable London Life for Kawangware Before Rising to Fame

Actress Jackie Matubia has built a name for herself in the Kenyan entertainment scene, having featured in numerous local films. Her breakthrough came over a decade ago when she starred in the popular TV series Tahidi High. Here are some little-known facts about her journey:

• Joining Tahidi High:
  Matubia joined Tahidi High at just 18 years old, shortly after completing her KCSE exams. She initially worked as an extra before landing a main character role.

  “Before my exams, the Tahidi High team visited my school. When they asked who would speak on behalf of the students, my classmates unanimously called my name. My nickname in school was Jackie Celeb,” she recalled.

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• Leaving Tahidi High:
  Matubia left the show after becoming pregnant, a decision she made herself.
  “At Tahidi High, no one fired you; it was your choice to leave. The producer didn’t want me to go, but I couldn’t fit into the uniforms anymore. By God’s grace, I transitioned into TV hosting and eventually built my career in film.”
• Relationships and Family:
  Reflecting on her past, she clarified, “I wouldn’t call my relationship with my ex, Blessing Lung’aho, a marriage because we never formalized it.”
  She described her first marriage to Kennedy Njogu as her only true marriage, adding, “I told Blessing I didn’t want to get married again or walk down the aisle.”

  After her breakup with Blessing, she initially considered suing for child support out of bitterness but later decided it wasn’t worth it.

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• Personal Struggles:
  Matubia admitted that she was rebellious during her teenage years, a behavior she attributes to childhood trauma stemming from her parents’ separation.
  “I was raised partly by my father in London and partly by my mother in Kawangware. They split when I was young, and I’ve dealt with rejection trauma ever since.”

   

  Her time in London with her father was luxurious, marked by homeschooling and a privileged lifestyle.
  “Life was great in London. My father is wealthy, so I was used to living comfortably, eating red chicken, and having everything I needed. Then I moved back to Kawangware to live with my mother in a partitioned bedsitter. It was a complete culture shock.”

  Despite her father sending her to expensive schools, such as Lavington Primary, the contrast between her school life and home life was stark.
  “At school, I interacted with rich kids. But at home, my mother was struggling. I couldn’t understand why my father allowed me to live this way, despite his wealth. I later realized my parents didn’t get along, and to this day, they don’t speak.”

• Personality:
  Matubia admits to being loud, laughing as she acknowledges it’s a trait she doesn’t particularly like about herself.

Jackie’s journey from a privileged life in London to a challenging one in Kawangware has shaped her resilience, making her the celebrated actress she is today.