Kenyan celebrities raised by single mothers

Raised by single parents, these celebrities encountered various hardships in their childhoods. Some experienced parental divorce, while others lost their parents at a young age. In some cases, parents abandoned their families, leaving the stars to navigate life without the presence of one or both parents.

Here are some celebrities you may not have known, were raised by single mothers.

Maina Kageni

Renowned Classic 105 presenter Maina Kageni stands as one of Kenya's most sought-after and highest-paid radio hosts.

The youngest of three siblings, Maina Kageni was raised by a single mother following the tragic passing of his father during his early childhood.

Classic 105 Radio Presenter Maina Kageni Classic 105 Radio Presenter Maina Kageni Pulse Live Kenya

Jeff Koinange

Citizen TV news anchor Jeff Koinange was raised by a single mother following the passing of his father when he was just two years old.

Reflecting on his father's death in a previous interview, Jeff expressed his sentiments, stating, "I don’t regret anything. I’m glad he wasn’t there in a way."

He further explained that having his father around might have led to them becoming spoiled brats as children, and he's grateful they didn't end up that way.

Citizen TV Journalist Jeff Koinange Pulse Live Kenya

Babu Owino

Despite his success, Embakasi East MP and former University of Nairobi student leader, Paul Ongili aka Babu Owino was raised by a single parent, his mother.

Babu has always expressed gratitude to his mother, who single-handedly raised him and his siblings in Kisumu’s slum, Nyalenda.

Their survival and education depended solely on her income from selling illicit brews.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino Pulse Live Kenya

Mike Mondo

Classic 105 radio presenter Mike Mondo disclosed that he was raised by four mothers following his father's demise when he was just 13 years old.

Mondo praised his mother as a resilient woman who single-handedly raised four boys after the loss of their father.

He recounted the challenges his mother faced, noting that she had to re-enter the job market to support her family and ensure that all her children received an education up to university level.

Classic 105 FM radio presenter Mike Mondo Classic 105 FM radio presenter Mike Mondo Pulse Live Kenya

Rashid Abdala

In a previous birthday tribute to himself, Rashid shared a throwback photo featuring him and his mother.

He expressed gratitude to her for single-handedly raising him following the passing of his father years ago.

"Thank you, my mother, for everything. I understand it hasn't been easy for you to care for me alone after Dad's passing, but you did your best," Rashid wrote.

Citizen TV News anchor Rashid Abdalla Citizen TV News anchor Rashid Abdalla Pulse Live Kenya

James Mwangi

James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Bank, hails from Kangema, Murang'a County, where he was born and raised.

During Kenya's struggle for independence, his father tragically fell victim. It was James's mother, Grace Wairimu Mwangi (now deceased), who tirelessly raised him and all his siblings single-handedly.

Equity Bank executive chairperson James Mwangi Pulse Live Kenya

Rue Baby

Rue Baby, a model and the second child among singer Akothee's five children, hails her mother as the epitome of strength in single motherhood.

Rue has always emphasised that her mother, Akothee, has bravely confronted numerous challenges to secure a respectable life for her children.

Akothee's 2nd born daughter Rue Baby Pulse Live Kenya

Diamond Platnumz

Diamond Platnumz is celebrated not only in Tanzania but across Africa.

Born to Sandra Dangote, Diamond has established himself as both an artist and a businessman, despite being raised by a single mother.

He has collaborated with international artists such as Neyo, Morgan Heritage, and Omarion.

Award-winning Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz Pulse Live Kenya

Barack Obama

Before he assumed residence in the White House, Barack Obama grew up in a single-parent household.

Born to Ann Dunham from Kansas and Barack Obama Senior from Kenya, his parents first met during a Russian language class in the 1960s while his father was an exchange student.

Their marriage occurred six months before their son's birth. However, Obama's parents eventually divorced, and his father returned to Kenya.

Former American President Barack Obama The recordings of Obama's books "Dreams From My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" won best spoken-word album in 2006 and 2008, respectively, according to the official Grammys website. His presidential memoir audiobook, "A Promised Land," was also nominated in 2022. Business Insider USA

Raised by his single mom in Hawaii, the former president's father visited them only once during Christmas in 1971, when Barack was 10 years old.

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