Betty Kyalo and Dennis Okari
Betty Kyalo and Dennis Okari. [Courtesy]
Media personality Betty Kyallo and senior journalist Dennis Okari, then at KTN, once appeared to be a match made in heaven. Their glamorous wedding was attended by close friends, colleagues and family members. However, rumours soon emerged that Okari’s parents had reservations about the union, although they ultimately gave him their blessing.
Their friendship had blossomed into a four-year relationship, resulting in the birth of their daughter. Faced with the reality of having a child out of wedlock, Okari reportedly felt pressure to formalise the relationship. In recent interviews, he admitted: “It was always my dream and desire to have a wedding before having children.”
However, he also confessed that he had doubts deep down. “In my spirit, I felt this was not the right way to correct things. I didn’t consult God.”
Okari has since remarried and says his healing came through serving God. He believes everything happened for a reason and has moved on with renewed purpose. On Betty’s side, she welcomed another child, Nova, earlier this year with boyfriend Charlie.
Prezzo and Sheila Mwanyigha
Veteran rapper and businessman CMB Prezzo last year reflected on attracting a “high-value woman” while reflecting his past relationship with celebrity Sheila Mwanyigha during an interview with Oga Obinna.
He explained his approach to winning over women.“I don’t come off as aggressive, and I guess that is why I win. I am soft-spoken. When you speak gently and sincerely to women, they might think you are flirting, but I mean everything I say.”
Reflecting on the relationship, Prezzo added: “In life, things happen. I believe God places people in our lives for a reason. Sheila was there to help me at that time, and when her role was fulfilled, life moved on. That’s just how it is.”
JBlessing and Avril/Mwende/Chantelle
Music video director Jibril Blessing, popularly known as JBlessing, has had a turbulent romantic history. He famously dated singer Avril and media personality Mwende Mwacharia, both of whom he shares children with.
He also previously lost a child with singer Chantelle. More recently, JBlessing confirmed that he privately married songstress Bridget Blue after their marriage notice at the Attorney General’s office became public.
Meanwhile, Avril has also been linked romantically to Lang’ata MP Jalang’o.
Col Mustafa and Marya
Years ago, Colonel Mustafa and singer Marya were considered one of Kenya’s “it” celebrity couples. However, Mustafa later admitted regretting introducing Marya to the music industry.
According to him, while they had hoped to create opportunities and make money together, fame negatively affected their relationship. At one point, rumours suggested that differences in religious beliefs contributed to their split. Mustafa, however, controversially claimed that infidelity, not religion, caused the break-up.
Kibanja and ex-hubby/ Pascal Tokodi/ Chipukeezy
Last year, model Agnes Kibanja revealed that her marriage had ended just four months after her highly publicised traditional wedding. Kibanja, whose West African-inspired bridal look attracted attention during her December ruracio, confirmed the split via Instagram Stories.
Although she avoided naming her ex-husband or giving full details, she shared cryptic messages hinting at betrayal and disappointment. Previously, she had also been linked to actor Pascal Tokodi and entertainer Chipukeezy.
King Kaka and Singer Sage
Before becoming King Kaka, he was popularly known as Rabbit because of his rabbit-selling business before venturing into music. Before marrying Nana Owiti, he was in a relationship with soulful singer Sage Chemutai. The pair share a daughter, Ayanna, born in 2014. Although their relationship remained largely private until after the birth, they have since focused on co-parenting and frequently celebrate their daughter’s milestones together.
Sarah Hassan and Martin Dale
Award winning actress and ‘Family Vacation’ star Sarah Hassan, and husband Martin Dale’s 2017 wedding came as a surprise to many. However, fast forward to recent times and in spite of sharing romantic glimpses; including some with their kid, divorce started looming in 2023, the rumours are still rife of a divorce after seven years of marriage.
Influencer Ramzzy and Shiko
Before TikTok dominated social media, YouTube couple Ramadhan “Ramzzy” Olouch and ex-wife Faith Wanjiku, alias Shiko Nguru, were among Kenya’s most talked-about online personalities through their Green Calabash channel.
Unfortunately, the relationship ended in a bitter custody battle. Shiko has since moved on and is now linked to radio presenter and vocalist Mike Mondo.
Daddy Owen and Farida Wambui
Gospel musician Daddy Owen also endured a highly public divorce from wife Farida Wambui around 2020–2021, a period that reportedly plunged him into depression and a lengthy healing process.
Shaffie Weru and Debbie Asila
Similarly, media personality Shaffie Weru and Debbie Asila’s separation became widely discussed after she reportedly relocated to the United States with their daughter, Milan.