Kilunda: Former Tahidi High Star Explains Ditching Acting for Farming
- Former Tahidi High actor Ted Kitana has embraced a quiet life in Kangundo, far from the limelight
- In a candid interview, he revealed he studied law but never practised, opting instead to join the hit TV show
- Now focused on farming with his mother, the former actor says he finds fulfilment away from TV fame
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Former Tahidi High actor Ted Kitana, better known as Kilunda, has shared his decision to leave the acting industry for a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Source: Youtube
In an interview with TV47 at his mother’s home in Kangundo, Kilunda disclosed that he studied law but never practised.
“I realised that lawyers are liars. I wanted to earn an honest living.”
After his studies, Kilunda informed his mother that he would not practice law and flew to Norway to reflect on what he wanted to do.
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Why did Kilunda leave Tahidi High?
When he returned, he joined Tahidi High and became a household name. However, he admitted that acting is not as lucrative as many Kenyans assume.
“We used to be paid peanuts, and people assumed I was paid good money. The role was also no longer challenging.”
One morning, when Kilunda was supposed to appear on the show, he woke up and sent a message saying he would not show up and quit.
The actor admitted that he tried venturing into other roles, but typecasting hindered him.
“People always saw me as Kilunda from Tahidi High, same with Omosh.”
Are Kenyan actors paid well?
According to Kilunda, acting is not well-paying anymore.
“If I'm asking for KSh 100,000 and you do not pay, I will not act,” he said, urging actors to stop being desperate.
Kilunda, who quit social media to avoid incessant questions from fans, says he now spends quality time in the village with his mother.
“We practice poultry farming and also grow vegetables, which we sell for a profit.”
Social media users had this to say about Kilunda’s sentiments:
@Walter_Sade:
“I remember him, he once came to our primary school during his famous times in 2012.”
@shemnyaka:
“I have realised that almost 80% of celebs in popular TV shows are struggling both mentally and financially.”
@DJ_Mifano:
“He is one of the legends.”
@barackj6773:
“Typecasting has stalled many characters in Kenya. Nobody's fault, but the industry is ruthless.”
What did Kilunda tell struggling actors?
Source: Instagram
In a previous interview with TUKO.co.ke Kilunda urged struggling entertainers not to be ashamed of doing menial jobs to survive.
Kilunda said many celebrities fall into financial ruin due to a lack of backup plans or investments.
He advised artists to take any available job, even car washing, instead of relying solely on fame.
Kilunda shared that he ventured into business while still acting, running a shop, an M-Pesa outlet, a salon, and engaging in farming.
He added that financial struggles affect all Kenyans, not just celebrities. The actor emphasised the importance of saving and investing even small earnings to cushion against tough times.
Encouraging resilience, Kilunda said life in Kangundo is peaceful and urged Kenyans to stay hopeful, put God first, and never give up despite current economic challenges.
Where is Tahidi High's Omosh?
The veteran actor, whose real name is Joseph Kinuthia, has been busy with content creation after Kenyans came through for him at a time he was at his lowest moments.
Omosh shared his heartbreaking story in early 2021, revealing that he was broke, struggling to make ends meet and had rent accrued over the entire 2020. He disclosed he owed his landlord KSh 100,000.
The polygamous man was then helped by Kenyans and even quit drinking alcohol, which he admitted had messed him up.
In a previous interview with Kikuyu Nation TV, Omosh talked about his struggle with alcoholism, revealing he once splashed KSh 300,000 on alcohol in one night.
In a recent interview with TV47, Omosh revealed he was taken to rehab by his sister and after returning, he relapsed again.
He said the sister asked him if he could go back to rehab if he wanted, but he told her he only needed God. Omosh talked about his journey with God, leaving netizens touched.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added: Where is Tahidi High's Omosh.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
