Jackie Matubia Breaks Down During Protest Over Dad’s Death
- Jackie Matubia showed up for the June 25 protests, but behind her bold presence, she was still mourning a deeply personal loss
- As the protests unfolded, she found herself struggling with more than just the tear gas and chaos around her
- The emotional weight stemmed from having buried her father just days earlier, following his year-long battle with cancer
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Popular Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia left many emotional after revealing that she suffered a panic attack while taking part in the June 25 protests in Nairobi.
Source: Instagram
Why were there protests in Nairobi?
The streets of the capital were once again filled with demonstrators marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, during which several Kenyans lost their lives.
This year’s commemorative protest, much like last year's, drew even celebrities to the streets, with Matubia among those who responded to the call.
Is Jackie Matubia still grieving?
The former Zora actress had been actively sharing updates from the ground, expressing her support for the fallen Gen Z comrades and the cause behind the demonstrations.
However, things quickly took a personal turn for Matubia as she found herself overwhelmed by the moment.
In an emotional update shared on social media, she disclosed that she suffered a panic attack during the protest.
"There is nothing as hard as going through grief and also wanting to be there in the front line fighting for your own country. I suffered a panic attack in the middle of maandamano. I am literally looking at people and I’m like, death is really cruel. It should not be like this," she said, tears slowing freely.
Her raw admission comes just days after she laid her stepfather, Mwangi, to rest.
Matubia had previously opened up about his cancer diagnosis, which she first shared publicly last year in June.
During his funeral, the mother of two broke down while reading her tribute to him.
She thanked Mwangi for always believing in her dreams and promised to carry on his legacy with courage and strength.
Matubia has spoken with pride about having two father figures in her life: her biological dad, Mr Matubia, who lives in the UK, and her late stepfather, Mwangi, whom she deeply cherished and is currently still grieving.
Source: Instagram
What to know about the June 25 protests
- In Machakos, tensions ran high as police clashed with youth protesters, resulting in one reported fatality and several injuries.
- Chaos unfolded near Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where protestors attempted to storm to premises.
- Demonstrations were also reported in Eldoret, with protestors demanding justice.
- Meanwhile, in Nairobi’s CBD, a female police officer was hospitalised after being attacked by a protestor.
- The Communications Authority later directed TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the demonstrations.
Was Mammito at the protests?
Popular comedian Mammito Eunice was among the many celebrities who took to the streets to join the protests.
Her appearance came barely three months after welcoming her baby girl.
In photos she shared online, Mammito is seen in an all-black outfit, a Kenyan flag draped around her neck, clutching a bottle of water and a yellow whistle, as fellow protestors sat in crowds around her.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
