
Kenyan radio personality and actress Jacquey Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, has reflected on the realities of fame and what it has taught her over the years.
Speaking on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Wilbroda said being a household name comes with a cost. She noted that fame often strips away privacy, with some fans crossing boundaries.
“There is no privacy. People feel like they own you,” she said.
“Some won’t even ask for pictures; they just grab you and take photos without your consent.”
She added that public figures are constantly scrutinised, and even casual remarks can be exaggerated.
“There are things you can’t do and things you can’t say. Sometimes you say things, and they are blown out of proportion,” she explained.
One example, she said, was the backlash that followed her remark about not believing heaven exists, which many interpreted as atheism.
“Fans reached out expressing disappointment,” she recalled.
Another was the reaction to her candid revelation about losing her virginity at 26.
“There are so many good things I said in that interview, but that’s all you picked?” she posed.
According to Wilbroda, fame means “there’s always someone watching.”
To cope, she chooses to ignore online comments.
“I never let social media get to me,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she admitted that fame was something she had always wanted. As a student, she enjoyed entertaining others, which inspired her to pursue the spotlight.
Her journey began in music, where she worked as a background vocalist with artists such as Eric Wainaina, Iddi Achieng, and Makadem, before finding success on radio and television.