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King Kaka
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King Kaka: My break up turned me into a chef

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Kenyan rapper and businessman King Kaka.

Photo credit: Pool

In December 2024, 40-year-old rapper King Kaka (Kennedy Ombima) announced the end of his 13-year relationship with his long-term partner, Nana Owiti. Since then, he has been adjusting to life as a bachelor.

The separation turned me into a chef. 'Tumbukiza' has become my favourite dish to cook. With it, you don't need lessons.

I wouldn't wish a breakup on anyone, but they happen. You have to accept it and move on.

King Kaka and Nana Owiti

Celebrity couple Kennedy Ombima better known as King Kaka and Nana Owiti during Femi One listening album event at Century Cinemax, Sarit Centre, Nairobi on May 27, 2021.

Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group

I won't lie; the change was hard on me. The unit of family life that I was accustomed to changed, and that was difficult. Like everybody else, I have feelings and emotions.

However, I am also grateful to have the ability to accept the situation and move on, because many people get trapped in that transition.

Growing up in poverty has always been my greatest motivation. We lived in a single room, which made me angry. I wanted to change that.

My mother was always against me pursuing a music career. She never really believed in that path. You might think that when she first saw me on TV, she would be proud, but instead, she became even angrier.

King Kaka and Nana Owiti

King Kaka with his ex-wife Nana Owiti during the Eastlando Royalty album launch at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on November 30, 2018.

Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

Nowadays, all she does is ask me when I’m releasing new music. In life, follow your passion and make sure you're earning money at the same time; you'll find that people will start to believe in you.

My biggest regret is not going to see my father when he was ill. He was on his deathbed, but I told myself I would go the next day. He passed away that very day. I still wonder what he wanted to tell me. I've never been able to forget that moment. One of my new songs, 'The Last Call', was inspired by that experience. Perhaps I was young and naive, but I wish I had gone to see him.

I didn’t grow up with my father. He left my mother when I was young, and I held a grudge against him for a long time. However, when he fell ill, my mother urged us to make peace. He passed away while I was in Class Seven.