Machachari actor Ian Munene popularly known as Almasi has often made headlines following his controversial life choices, especially with his decision to join a monastery.
Many may not realize that his choice was not impulsive, but rather the outcome of a series of struggles, such as his mother’s stage four breast cancer diagnosis and his subsequent fight with depression and substance abuse.
His mother’s diagnosis was devastating, plunging him into a deep depression and leading him to use drugs as a means of coping with the pain while he struggled with the anguish of why this misfortune had befallen his mother.
“It just hit me like a brick. You don’t think it’s ever gonna happen to your family. I got depressed for a while. I started getting into drugs to minimize my pain,” he narrated in the UK-based Motive podcast.
Ian started to ponder the meaning of life and the reasons behind suffering, turning to God and devout followers for guidance, who encouraged him to remain steadfast in his faith.
Disheartened by the unfulfilled exchanges in these debates, Ian sought advice from a friend who directed him to an Indian temple in Nairobi.
“In my inquiry, I reached out to a friend of mine who had posted a picture of this lady who seemed more peaceful than normal… She told me she could give me absolute wisdom. I visited the temple she was staying at in Nairobi and started asking all these questions Then these guys were just looking at me with smiles,” he said.
Ian’s visit to the temple became a pivotal moment in his spiritual journey. Rather than engaging in contentious debates, he discovered that the monks addressed his questions with insights on life’s journey, the cycles of stress, and the principles of Karma.
The monks’ calm and assured responses to his questions intrigued him, sparking a deep curiosity to uncover the source of their wisdom.
Upon learning of his newfound faith, Munene’s mother who is a staunch Catholic was not pleased, especially when she noticed changes in his behavior, from the aroma of incense to his association with monks.
As any parent would, she was concerned for his wellbeing and feared that her son was being brainwashed. She forbid him from visiting the temple but her warnings fell on deaf ears.
“She was like wait…where did you come from? My mum is a staunch Catholic and I applaud her her faith in Catholicism is so beautiful and I’ve just watched her always still rely on her practice of connecting with God. That’s the reason I was attracted to the practice in the first place. Coz of my mum’s faith in God.”
She then cut him off, in a bid to defund him and discourage his involvement with the temple.
“She cut off my money, coz I’m still under her care because she knew it would not be easy for me to travel,” he explained.
Undeterred, Ian managed to continue his visits, causing a rift with his mother. Tensions escalated when his dishonesty was revealed, prompting his heartbroken mother to blame the temple for brainwashing him.
Ian’s mother sent him to the UK, aiming to break his ties with the temple. Yet, Ian found a comparable community there, and one of the monks became his mentor. Resolute in his monastic journey, Ian told his mother he would not be returning to Kenya.
Ian’s decision to stay in the UK deeply saddened his mother, who felt abandoned as she battled cancer.
Over time, Ian’s dedication to a life free from vices like drinking and clubbing began to change his mother’s perspective on his spiritual desicions and their relationship is on the mend.
