Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia has opened up about the personal challenges that led to her divorce from ex-husband Kennedy Njogu, revealing how conflicting expectations around her role in the marriage eventually caused it to unravel.
Matubia, who has two children, shared that while Njogu was incredibly supportive financially, offering a comfortable lifestyle and providing for her every need, he envisioned a traditional family setup where she would stay at home and focus solely on raising their children. This expectation, however, did not resonate with Matubia’s aspirations.
In an emotional interview, the actress explained, “I was married to a man from whom I did not have to ask for anything—he always provided.
But there was a flip side to it. This man wanted me to be a stay-at-home mom, and my problem was, ever since I was young, I’ve never been the type to stay home without something to do. I’ve always been out there trying to create opportunities for myself.”
Her ex-husband’s vision of a stay-at-home life didn’t align with Matubia’s desire for independence and career fulfilment.
While she acknowledged that being a housewife is a fulfilling role for many women, it simply wasn’t right for her. “Being a housewife is a good thing for some, but not for women like me who are used to hustling,” she said. “I’ve always had my own vision and dreams, and that’s where the friction started.”
Despite the differences that emerged, Matubia emphasized that Njogu was, at times, a loving and supportive partner. “Don’t get me wrong, my ex-husband was very supportive,” she said. “He provided for me—bought me a car, we lived in a nice house, and he made sure I had everything I needed. But there was always a part of me that felt I had to keep moving forward, to chase my own dreams.”
Matubia also reflected on the pressures of marrying young, noting that their youth contributed to the strain on their relationship.
“We were both young when we got married, just 23. I had my first child at 25. Balancing being a wife, a mother, and trying to keep up with a career felt like a heavy burden,” she explained. “We didn’t have marriage mentors or anyone to guide us, and we struggled in silence.”
Their relationship, which began in 2014, was filled with its share of highs and lows. They broke up and reconciled multiple times, but after seven years, Matubia realized that constant fighting had become the norm. “It became chaotic.
“I remember looking at myself in the mirror one day and asking, ‘What makes Jackie happy?’ That’s when I realized I needed to focus on myself,” she revealed.
Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!
