A lot can happen in weeks, months, or even a year. In Kenya, many of your favourite celebrity couples—whether married or dating—have seen their relationships fail the test of continuity. The Kenya Times has compiled celebrity breakups that shook the country in the last twelve months.
While many of these splits were unexpected, here are some of the most talked-about breakups that had the public reeling.
Kenyan Celebrity Breakups in the last one year
Khalif Kairo and Wavinya Maria
Businessman Khalif Kairo, in February 2025, officially confirmed his breakup with his ex-girlfriend Wavinya Maria.
This came after eagle-eyed fans noticed that Wavinya had deleted their photos together from Instagram, fueling speculation about their relationship status.
Kairo, once known for flooding social media with romantic posts and affectionate messages, clarified that their split was amicable and had nothing to do with his ongoing legal troubles.
Speaking in an X Space, he stated, “We broke up on good terms, and it has absolutely nothing to do with these cases.”
Kairo admitted that his workaholic nature has been a recurring issue in his relationships over the past five or six years.
“The biggest complaint I get from my partners is that I’m too focused on work. I don’t make enough time to mingle,” he confessed.
This was notably Kairo’s second breakup in a span of a year.
Khalif Kairo and Cera Imani
Earlier in 2024, Khalif and content creator Cera Imani’s highly publicized relationship came to an end leaving fans shocked.
Despite the criticisms from public figures like Andrew Kibe and Amerix, who had predicted the downfall of their relationship due to its visibility, Kairo was candid about the reasons behind the split.
In a revealing interview with TV47’s Dr. Ofweneke Tonight Show in July, the Kai and Karo owner admitted his role in hastening the separation, explaining that his demanding business schedule played a part.
“As a businessman, sometimes you get so engrossed in your work that you forget the emotional needs of the relationship,” he confessed.
He further emphasized that Cera was not someone who could be won over by material wealth alone, describing her as a principled woman who didn’t care about money.
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Although Kairo admitted missing the companionship and the creative dynamic that came with dating a content creator, the businessman went on to move on with fashion icon Wavinya Maria whom they have since broken up.
Mungai Eve and Director Trevor
The split between YouTube power couple Mungai Eve and Director Trevor sent shockwaves through the online media space and is among the top celebrity breakups of the year 2024.
While Mungai Eve opted for a quiet and professional approach, Director Trevor opened up about the reasons for their split during an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast.
Trevor clarified that their separation wasn’t due to any dramatic event but simply a recognition that they had grown apart.
“You reach a point where you feel you can’t continue. We gave each other space, but it didn’t work out,” he shared.
He also addressed speculation about their professional partnership, stating that their business arrangement—built on a 50/50 agreement— that had remained intact before they announced the breakup could not be tenable as Eve wanted more control as the face of the brand.
YY Comedian and Marya Okoth
Comedian YY (Oliver Otieno) shocked fans in September when he confirmed his split from long-term partner and mother of his child, Marya Okoth.
The breakup, however, did not prevent YY from swiftly moving on with a new relationship.
Speaking candidly in an interview with his new girlfriend Noela Toywa, YY explained that he felt the desire to build a family and that a prolonged break after a serious relationship could lead to unnecessary emotional stagnation.
“We didn’t get married legally, but we respected each other,” YY clarified, stressing that despite their separation, his relationship with Marya had been genuine and committed.
Shortly after the breakup, YY introduced his new girlfriend to his fans, and even traveled to Bungoma for a traditional introduction ceremony, signaling his seriousness in his new relationship.
“A real man must face the parents to table his intentions,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for Noela and her family’s warm hospitality.
However, his new relationship also suffered the same fate as that with Marya, with the comedian in January confirming the end of his relationship with Noela after dating for several months.
Speaking to Silva Kido during an interview, he casually revealed that the two had gone their separate ways, leaving many fans surprised.
The news came as a shock to many, given how publicly YY had introduced Noela in November 2024.
In a grand romantic gesture, he had taken her on a helicopter ride and shared moments from their date online.
Thee Pluto and Felicity Shiru
Celebrity couple Thee Pluto and Felicity Shiru shocked fans with the announcement of their split in September 2024 after three years of an on-again, off-again relationship
Known for their vibrant social media presence, the two had a very public relationship that included their ups and downs.
The pair initially met through mutual friends while studying at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and their journey together was filled with excitement, but also challenges.
In 2022, they had a brief breakup, with Thee Pluto claiming that he noticed red flags suggesting Felicity might eventually leave him, so he decided to end things first.
During this period, he also publicly stated that Felicity had been using him for fame, a claim that the girlfriend denied.
Despite their breakup in 2022, the two reconciled and continued their relationship, even co-parenting their daughter.
However, in 2024, they once again confirmed their separation, with both requesting privacy as they focused on co-parenting.
Felicity, in particular, had previously revealed in a video that Thee Pluto had been the one to end their relationship the first time, following a trip to Naivasha, which caused confusion and emotional turmoil for her.
Their on-and-off relationship highlighted the complexities of love in the public eye, and while their latest breakup is final, both Pluto and Felicity remain committed to co-parenting and ensuring the well-being of their daughter.
Tileh Pacbro and Martina Glez
Content creators Tileh Pacbro and Martina Glez also feature in the list of celebrity breakups that have occurred in the last one year.
In a joint statement, the couple confirmed that they had decided to part ways due to “irreconcilable differences,” but assured their followers that they would continue to co-parent and work together as business partners.
Tileh shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, acknowledging the sadness of the situation while reflecting on the beautiful journey they had shared.
Martina, a renowned dancer, also expressed her sadness but emphasized that their decision was made with a great deal of mutual respect.
Both of them requested privacy during this time, asking their followers to show kindness and understanding as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.
In February this year, Pacbro revealed the reason behind his divorce from his Spanish ex-wife.
The dancer in a post on Instagram shared his side of the story, speaking openly about the pain and struggles he endured during their marriage and the aftermath.
He revealed that his decision to leave Martina came after discovering that she had been unfaithful during their marriage.
However, Glez publicly denied the infidelity accusations, stating simply, “Also a lie.”
Chris Kaiga and Joanna Kinuthia
In July 2024, digital content creator and makeup mogul Joanna Kinuthia confirmed her breakup with musician Chris Kaiga after two years of dating.
The announcement came as a response to a fan’s inquiry during a Q&A session on her Instagram stories.
Joanna, known for her beauty tutorials and successful cosmetic brand, was candid about the split, saying, “The truth is no, we’re not together anymore. I’m a single girl.” She went on to reassure her fans that she was doing okay, despite the emotional toll of the breakup.
Chris Kaiga, known for his popular hit “Zimenice,” did not publicly comment on the split, leaving many of their fans wondering what led to the end of their seemingly happy relationship.
However, Joanna in October excited fans after hinting that she and Chris have rekindled their romance 3 months after they announced their split.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur made the revelation while responding to a curious media sleuth who noted they’d spotted Chris in a reel shared by the content creator.
“Have I seen Chris Kaiga,” an Instagram user identified named _Kanjiruu commented on the beauty mogul’s post followed by a laughing emoji.
Responding to the comment, Joanna seemed to confirm the netizen’s keen observation by writing, “Tulirudiana (we got back together)” accompanied with a blushing emoji icon.
Their relationship begun in 2022 when the two made their bond public on Instagram, and it was clear to fans that they were a power couple in the making.
Kagwe Mungai and Sharon Mwangi
Content creator Sharon Mwangi and musician Kagwe Mungai also feature in the list of celebrity breakups that happened in the last year after they made headlines with their announcement that they were parting ways.
The two had been in a public relationship for about a year and had garnered a strong fan following.
Their breakup was made public through a collaborative Instagram post in which they shared a heartfelt message with their fans.
“We have decided to lovingly separate as a couple,” they wrote, acknowledging the love and affection they had shared, but also expressing the need for individual growth.
The celebrity couple emphasized that their decision was mutual, and there was no negativity between them. “We won’t be engaging in further discussions on this,” they added, asking for respect and privacy as they navigated the change.
Despite their breakup, Sharon and Kagwe assured fans that they would continue to support each other as friends, with no hard feelings.
Their transparency in announcing the split was a refreshing change from the secrecy that often surrounds celebrity relationships.
Sharon had previously opened up on her podcast about the challenges of going public with her relationship, revealing that she had feared judgment but ultimately found courage in the support of her friends.
Kagwe, known for his hit songs and low-key personal life, had always kept his relationships private, but he seemed to embrace this new chapter with a sense of understanding and grace.
Also Read: Actress Sarah Hassan and Husband Break Up After 7 Years
Both Sharon and Mungai expressed gratitude for the support they had received during their time together and encouraged fans to continue respecting their privacy.
King Kaka and Nana Owiti
Perhaps the most shocking of all breakups in the list, Kenyan rapper Kennedy Ombima alias King Kaka and content creator Carter Ninifelly Owiti alias Nana Owiti ended their relationship in December 2024 after 13 years.
The couple in a joint statement said that the decision was made after a deep reflection, pointing out that the choice was not made lightly.
However, the duo did not reveal the cause of the breakup but agreed to maintain a respectful and supportive friendship as they move forward.
Further, they emphasized the importance of co-parenting their three children with the same dedication they have had in the past.
“Over the course of 13 years, we have shared countless memories, built a life together and most importantly raised three incredible children who will always be our top priority.”
The couple, whose relationship has been in the limelight, thanked their fans for their support throughout the journey and implored them to respect their privacy during this period.
Other celebrity couples who have broken up during the period include Simon Kabu and Sarah Mtalii, Flaqo and Keranta, and Sarah Hassan with her ex-husband Martin Dale.
These celebrity breakups serve as a reminder that love, even for those in the public eye, is fragile.
While fans may have been shocked by the end of these relationships, it’s important to remember that celebrities, like everyone else, face their own struggles and challenges.
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