Peterson Gathambo, popularly known as Charlo, played the boisterous ‘Meru’ guy on the popular TV show ‘Machachari’. He has starred in one of the best produced Kenyan movie ‘Nairobi Half Life’.
He has since become a household name through his captivating performances in other popular TV shows like Tabasamu, Papa Shirandula, Makutano Junction, Siri, Changes, Sumu La Penzi, Gumbaru, and Ithaga Riene. He recently gave fans a glimpse into his personal life, showcasing his family.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Peterson Gathambo’s Early Life and Background
Born to parents who originated from Nyeri but later settled in Kirinyaga’s Kagio, Peterson Gathambo’s early years were shaped by his educational journey.
He attended Rwang’ondu Primary School in Kagio, Kirinyaga, before transferring to Kiera Academy in Meru. Eventually, he joined Chogoria Boys High School in Meru.
This transition between regions exposed Peterson to various languages, making him multilingual and fluent in Gikuyu, Kimathira, Kindia, Kiembu, Kigichugu, Kimwea, and Kimeru.
This linguistic versatility has greatly contributed to his acting career, where he excels at portraying diverse characters. Despite popular belief, Peterson is actually Kikuyu by birth, dispelling the misconception that he is of Meru origin.
Early Life And Humble Beginnings
Peterson’s journey into the world of acting began during his time in primary school at PCEA Kagio. It was there that he first discovered his passion for performing, taking part in church school and youth drama festivals.
His talent continued to flourish in high school, where he showcased his skills in writing and directing poems that achieved recognition at the national level.
Interestingly, during his formative years, Peterson had dreams of becoming a news anchor, fueling his aspirations to excel in the media industry.
From Meru To Life As ‘Chokoraa’ In Nairobi
In a candid revelation, Peterson opened up about the challenges he faced in his personal life. He shared the strained relationship he had with his father, a retired teacher, during his formative years, which ultimately led him to move to Nairobi after completing high school. Adding to the difficulties, his mother fell ill and sadly passed away in 2008.
Arriving in Nairobi without a support system, the actor found himself in a vulnerable position, lacking friends and relatives to rely on. As a result, he spent nearly two years living as a street boy.
Tragically, shortly after his arrival in the city, he became a victim of a robbery attack, leaving him with 14 stitches on his head. This incident had a significant impact on his speech and shattered his aspirations of becoming a news anchor.
He lived in deplorable conditions in Huruma Nairobi before meeting Jalang’o who would later introduce him to the life-changing acting role in Papa Shirandula. Jalang’o also moved him from Huruma to Mwiki Kasarani.
From Earning Ksh 175 To A Successful Acting Career
In an interview with Sammy Botop, Peterson narrates how he started his acting career in Kenya National Theater. In 2005, he got a gig with Pambazuka Afrika before joining Planet Theatres acting in high schools set books series where he used to earn Ksh 175 per book to Ksh 350 per show.
He later got an acting job with the famous JichoFour Productions where he was earning Ksh 1,000 per show. He scaled up from an actor to the regional marketing manager for Mt. Kenya region.
Githeca in ‘Ithaga Riene’
The actor plays the role of Githeca in the popular Kikuyu drama series, ‘Ithaga Riene.’
‘Ithaga Riene’ is a renowned Kikuyu series that airs on Inooro TV every Friday after the 7 pm news. This captivating series tackles various societal situations and problems that occur on a daily basis.
The show’s level of suspense and creativity has captivated its viewers, leaving them yearning for more episodes and even wishing for daily airings.
In the series, he portrays the character of a husband to Sandra, a father to Muriu, and the general manager of a prominent restaurant, which serves as the main setting for the show.
Githeca also engages in a secretive love affair with Nyambu, resulting in the birth of a child and the threat of dire consequences if the secret is revealed.
Businesses He Owns
Beyond his acting career, Githeca is a multi-talented individual involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. He owns a music recording studio and a film company based in Nairobi.
Additionally, he manages a livestock farm in Kiambu County, showcasing his diverse interests and business acumen.
According to a 2021 article on Opera News, the actor is also in the business of selling bales of second hand clothes.
His popularity has seen him become a brand ambassador for a real estate company.
Encounter with the Police
The actor opened up about a near-death experience at the hands of the police. He described being in the wrong place at the wrong time during an interview with Ala C.
Peterson shared his account, stating that after returning from a traveling theater performance in Kapenguria, he was dropped off at the Kenya National Theatre.
Unbeknownst to him, riots had erupted due to a woman’s death caused by the police. When Peterson arrived in Mwiki, his residence, he decided to buy a phone.
However, he was stopped by random police officers who demanded his identification card. The incident resulted in the loss of his new phone and other possessions.
Voice-Over Artist, MC And Country Music Singer
Aside from his notable roles in ‘Machachari’ and ‘Ithaga Riene,’ Peterson Gathambo is also recognized for his work as a voice-over artist. He is well known for his voice overs in Inooro FM and other organizations.
He also doubles as an MC for corporate and social events. Additionally, Peterson is a talented country music singer and a karaoke host owing to his deep baritone and bass voice.
