Veteran Kenya actor Clara Wamaitha known for playing Cindy in the now-defunct Machachari show, has spoken out on her battle with vitiligo.
Speaking to a local website, Clara revealed that she fell into depression after noticing the change in her skin complexion.
According to the mother of two, she noticed the changes right before Machachari was axed from Citizen TV, plunging her into depression.
However, she accepted the condition and is positive that she will recover.
“I overcame depression through prayers and speaking to family members and friends,” she said.
Clara further said that she faces stigmatisation due to her skin condition.
“I receive funny looks, and some people are scared of sitting next to me. People also ask me endless questions about my skin, but thanks to the pandemic, I am not easily recognizable when wearing a mask,” she said.
Clara, who has also featured in Makutano Junction and Wingu La Moto, said that the pandemic has hit her hard as she lost her business and numerous family members.
“I have lost six family members to coronavirus. The last burial was last week in Embu. I had a business in Gilgil but had to close shop and move back to Nairobi,” Clara said.
She urged the president to open the country, saying that many Kenyans do not have food.
“The country is closed, but we are still dying. Hunger is prevalent more than ever. The president should open the country and for Kenyans, let us observe all the COVID-19 measures because this disease is real,” she said.
Hiram Maina on YouTube first highlighted her plight. In the interview, Clara revealed that she’s currently jobless and depends on her daughter for medication and upkeep.
Source: Tuko