Many people think of Papa Shirandula as a prominent Citizen TV figure who gave birth to several beloved on-screen personalities.
However, some viewers are now curious about what the majority of the performers have been doing since the show finished in 2020.
Actress Hanita Mwaniki, also known as Wafirethi, of Papa Shirandula recalled being unceremoniously let off from the program after 13 years of service.
Speaking on Hiram Maina’s YouTube channel, she said that because she hadn’t made any financial plans at the time in 2019, the termination came as a major shock.
“I wasn’t given a notice that as of this day, my services were no longer needed. It was abruptly stopped. It was very unfortunate as I had not planned myself for such an outcome,” she stated.
Mwaniki noted that she faced turbulent times trying to stay afloat and raising her family.
The celebrated actress also decried the current state of the industry, noting that most actors portray a facade of their lifestyle but in reality are struggling to make ends meet.
Further, she disclosed that during her 13-year period at the Papa Shirandula show, they were paid per episode at different rates. She divulged that they were paid an average of Ksh15,000 per episode.
“In a month, you would be paid four times, but at times you would feature in one episode hence it would be difficult to cater for the bills and expenses with a Ksh15,000 income,” she pointed out.
Mwaniki credited her acting role in Papa Shirandula to popular actor, Kenneth Gichoya, known to many as Njoro, who notified her of the role- as he predicted that she would be a great fit.
“Njoro and I had been great friends for a while, so he notified me of the chance and I went for the auditions. At first it was tough but after one take, they decided to hire me for the role,” she stated.
The actress affirmed that in order to make ends meet in the industry, one has to have multiple sources of income.
“As an actor, it’s better if you have a side hustle in order to cater for your needs,” she detailed.
Highlighting her career, the actress revealed that she was raised by a single mother in a family of three children. However, life went into turmoil when her mother passed away.
Mwaniki alongside her sisters were taken in by their uncle, Peter Koomo, who paid her fees to study at Ndararua Primary and later enrolling at Maasai Girls High school. Years later, her uncle also passed away which forced Mwaniki to take up menial jobs in Nairobi in order to fend for her siblings.
A section of actors have in the recent past come out to reveal their debilitating state- creating a conversation around the plight of many celebrities within the industry.
