Elizabeth Wanjiru, popularly known as Charity Mwamba, is a Kenyan actress best known for her role in the popular Citizen TV series Mother-in-law that airs on Sundays, 7.30PM East African time.
Since 2008, she has captivated audiences with her portrayal of a strict, dramatic mother-in-law, often stirring conflict in the lives of her daughters-in-law.
Wanjiru was born on July 12, 1945, and she is the daughter of Apollos Mwangi and Zipporah. She attended Alliance Girls High School before enrolling at Makerere University, where she graduated in 1968 with a focus on literature.
In addition to her acting career, she has a strong educational background. She followed in her parents’ footsteps by pursuing a teaching career. She has worked as both a teacher and a principal before transitioning to acting when she retired.
Her Marriage.
She was married to Shem Bageine, a Ugandan politician, for 13 years.
During their marriage, they bought a house in Loresho, which her husband registered in his name.
However, Bageine walked out of the marriage in 1981 and returned to Uganda in 1987 to pursue a political career.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a member of parliament, then an assistant minister, and eventually the Minister of State for East African Affairs in 2015.
Elizabeth Wanjiru Marriage Struggles
Charity shared her 30-year struggle for justice after her husband took their children.
She revealed that her marriage to the Ugandan man began to fall apart when their youngest child was just 12 years old, and it never fully recovered after Idi Amin’s takeover of Kampala in 1971.
According to Charity Mwamba, her ex-husband was ambitious and deeply involved in politics.
They frequently disagreed over his political ambitions, which ultimately led to their separation.
The situation worsened when President Yoweri Museveni called him to assist in nation-building, taking their three children with him.
Since the breakup, Charity expressed her heartbreak, noting that her children have only visited her once, though they occasionally stay in touch by phone
Court Case
After 34 years, Elizabeth went to court to battle her ex-husband demanding the house she co-owned with him in Loresho.
Further, she demanded a share of their matrimonial property ownership following a three-decade court battle.
During the court case, she claimed that Bageine sold the property.
In 2003, the High Court ruled that she should not be evicted from her house.
This led her to file another court case in 2004 to reclaim her property.
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Coping with Loss
Losing her husband and children is not the only loss she has experienced; Wanjiru has watched 10 out other 12 siblings die. For 10 years, she had to mourn and bury one of her siblings.
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Career Journey in Acting
Elizabeth Wanjiru, best known by her stage name ‘Charity Mwamba,’ began her acting career during her time at Alliance Girls.
She was a school head and also taught at Thogoto Teachers College.
After retiring from her teaching profession, she decided to pursue her passion for acting.
She made her debut as the iconic Mother-in-Law on the popular Citizen TV show, where she plays Charity Mwamba, a protagonist who always sides with her son.
Charity captivates her fans and audiences with her portrayal of a strict, dramatic mother-in-law who stirs trouble in the lives of her daughters-in-law.
Other stars in the show include Mwamba, Alison, Lisa, Jack, Robert aka Bob, Tina, Ras, Maria the chef, Rachel, Mike, Charlie and Angie.
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