Award-winning actor Ken Muigai Ambani is popularly known for his role on drama series Tausi where he played Baraza.
He hit headlines recently after being sworn in as Mombasa County Executive Committee Member in charge of Public Service Administration Youth Gender Sports and Social Services.
Ambani was sworn in on Wednesday, March 15, in a ceremony presided over by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir.
“Out of the several million Kenyans, you appointed me to be among your 10 CECMs. I don’t take that for granted Sir! Thank you Governor Abdulswamad. Ready to serve Mombasa, so help me God,” he wrote on social media.
Ken Ambani
Ambani was born in Busia County to Mary Wanjiru and Ambani Mudinyu who unfortunately passed away when he was still a toddler.
His mother moved to Mombasa and settled in Bakarani area where the actor spent most of his childhood life.
He was also raised by his stepdad, Mohammed Hassan.
After completing secondary education, he enroll in accounting classes, and he pursued a diploma in sales and marketing and CPA at Mombasa Polytechnic.
Ambani is also a former student of Moi University, where he pursued a program in the School of Communication and PR.
He started acting in primary school and by the time he joined high school, he had developed a strong passion for acting.
For instance, while in Form Three, she played part in My People in Chains, a South African play that he says opened doors for him as a professional actor.
Ever since, Ambani has appeared on among others Tushauriane, Sauti Ya Mombasa, Binti Nusa, Kisasi and Maisha.
Others include Shuga, Siri, Saints, Block D, Makutano Junction, Fate Makers, From a Whisper and Mali.
He has also been feted the Best Actor in the Tarifa awards held in Spain and Best Actor award at the Kenya film festival. He also won at the Kalasha Awards in 2009
Ambani has also been nominated as the Best Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
He has also appeared on adverts for different brands including Blueband, CocaCola, Tuzo Milk, Dyer & Blair and KWFT.
Fame
In January 2020, Ambani explained how fame affected his life.
In an interview with Standard, he noted that some times, he regrets about the path his life took after he was exposed to the limelight.
“If there was one thing I could change, it would probably be getting into public life. It is disheartening and painful when you become a target. You hear stories about you that you cannot even believe,” he said.
Ambani added that even though he loved what he did, there were times when things got so difficult for him that he wishes he could start life afresh.
“I have thought of leaving my job, leaving the country and going somewhere unknown to start life anew
“I even told my mother that, and she was very surprised to hear it. But that isn’t to say I don’t love what I do. I really do. And I work on it every day,” he stated.