The popular Papa Shirandula sitcom aired on Citizen TV every Thursday is synonymous with Kenneth Gichoya, popularly known as Njoro. He is that buffoon who was always in trouble or getting others in trouble.
His chemistry with the late Papa Shirandula is undeniable. Njoro, who loves his tipple, is always running away from his combative wife Wafirethi. The couple never see eye to eye.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Retracing Njoro’s career
The comedian harbored ambitions of becoming an actor since he was a child. According to a feature article carried on Nairobi Wire, Njoro dreamt of becoming the next Denzel Washington.
That’s how high he had set his standard. He burned with ambition to reach the zeniths of acting that when he won a green card to the US, he let it slide.
Njoro started acting in his church drama group while he was in class four. He acting prowess and early initiation in acting saw him scoop the best actor award at District levels in 1997.
He was in Form Two at Baricho High School. He repeated the same achievements when he was in form four but this time round at a much higher level-the provincials.
Njoro (or is Kenneth more appropriate?), like many actors, sharpened his skills further at the Kenya National Theatre after he completed his ‘O’ levels.
The pay wasn’t any good as he was paid kes300 for public shows. He joined drama school and graduated as a certified actor. The actor made appearances at the then popular Crazy Kenyans and Intrukalass in the 90s.
The Big Break
The friendship between Charles Bukeko-who played Papa Shirandula-and Kenneth started way back when the duo acted together in public shows. It was only natural for Bukeko to recommend his bosom buddy to star alongside him when he was picked to star in his show.
This is where Kenneth baptized himself Njoro and went to build a character around that name.
Scandals
Njoro dominated banter on social media during the final send off of the legendary Mzee Ojwang’. The actor was accused of disrespecting the solemn event as he showed up drunk as a skunk.
Photos of Njoro kissing an unknown lady was fodder for bloggers. Well, probably that is how he was mourning one of the greatest comedians of all times.
Commercials
The actor has become a magnet for well oiled advertisers who are not afraid to spend good money to reach more customers. He earned a fat cheque with the Safaricom advert. Njoro was the face behind Sigenta and Golden Shine adverts.
Properties Owned by Njoro
Njoro has rental houses in Mutalia, along Kangundo road-approximately 42 kilometers from Nairobi CBD. He collects about kes60,000 per month from his rentals in Machakos county.
Interesting facts about Njoro
He is married with two children
Lover of action movies
His favorite meal is chicken
