Momo: My journey from Banana to working in Riggy G's office

When the famous Kikuyu secular musician Murimi wa Kahalf (deceased) was planning a video shoot for his hit song "Ino ni Momo" (meaning this is a huge person) over a decade ago, he had a big challenge getting a vixen to fit the role.

In an interview, Wa Kahalf said he promised his friends Sh5,000 to whoever got him the perfect person to feature in the video.

His gamble paid off when Janet Wambui, alias Momo, was introduced to him by a friend. Wambui shyly accepted to feature in the song. Soon after the song was released, the duo became the talk of the town. It was a hit on airwaves, Mugithi events and roadshows.

When Wa Kahalf died in June 2015, he was a star. Wambui's fame rose and she started appearing in short comic videos.

Now 12 years since her debut in the entertainment world, she is dining with who-is-who in the country.

This month, she started working at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office as a Protocol Officer, taking home not less than Sh86,000 and enviable allowances.

Her journey from Karuri in Banana, Kiambu County to the second biggest office in the land was no mean feat for the 41-year-old mother of two. "I don't believe it. I am very excited about working at DP's office. God is amazing," a thrilled Wambui told The Nairobian.

She will be accompanying Gachagua aka Riggy G, her major role being to welcome high-profile figures like governors and other officials.

A colleague who sought anonymity said there was excitement when 'Momo' reported to work for the first day.

"Many have seen her on TV and Youtube but meeting her thrilled them. They welcomed her cheerfully. From the screens, she appears to be a good-hearted person," the colleague said.

Lifechanging moment

Wambui revealed that her friendship with Riggy G started before the DP joined elective politics and she played a major role in her getting the position. However, Momo, who is also an actress, has Wa Kahalf to thank for the fine things coming her way.

In a recent Youtube interview, she said the late singer picked her when she had just quit her marriage and left with two children (now aged 17 and 23 years).

She disclosed she is still single and yearning to get a serious suitor.

The fourth born in a family of six was born a chubby kid. At her home village, she was nicknamed "Biggie", a name she is still fond of.

"I was not a victim of uniform theft while at secondary school because no other person could wear them. I had an easy life there," she said. She was a dormitory prefect.

She got married after school but it did not last long. She has been a victim of curious looks and giggles but that has not demoralised or lowered her self-esteem.

"I got used to it. In matatus, I pay for two seats. At a dowry event, I was given a table to sit on and I accepted gladly because I could have broken the plastic seat into pieces," she said.

The song gave her exposure, strengthened her confidence and besides earning her a living, it nurtured an acting career in her. "Wa Kahalf made me board an aeroplane for the first time. We flew to Mombasa. I have made it this far because of him," she narrated.

Publicity earned her a slot in Papa Shirandula's show, Hullabaloo Estate on Maisha Magic, Njoro wa Uba and Vitimbi. Comedians Eric Omondi and Desagu featured her in their rib-tickling Youtube videos.

In 2013 when Uhuru Kenyatta was campaigning in Nyahururu for the top seat, Wambui alongside Wa Kahalf and their band gatecrashed the event.

Fans started shouting her nickname, prompting Uhuru to invite them on stage to perform. Excited by their performance, he gave them Sh50,000. From there, she started meeting and interacting with politicians including Riggy G, who offered her a job 10 years later.

Wambui plans to start a Youtube channel for big mamas where they can address their issues and even start visiting schools to encourage and give confidence to plump kids who are ridiculed and bullied because of their bodies.