NAIROBI, KENYA – Esteemed actress and media personality Jacqueline Nyaminde, popularly known to the Kenyan public as ‘Wilbroda’, has formally addressed widespread online speculation about her religious beliefs, stating unequivocally that she is not an atheist. The clarification, delivered on Saturday, November 15, 2025, EAT, follows a period of intense public debate sparked by her remarks on the afterlife during recent podcast interviews.

The controversy ignited in late August 2025 after Nyaminde appeared on a YouTube show hosted by fellow media personality Alex Mwakideu. During the interview, she stated that she does not believe in the concepts of heaven or hell, arguing instead that these are experiences people create for themselves on Earth. “Your heaven and your hell are right here on earth. Hakuna tarumbeta itapigwa (No trumpet will be blown),” she remarked, challenging conventional Christian eschatology. Her assertion that there is no afterlife—”When you die, you die”—led to significant backlash online, with many social media users labelling her an atheist.

Setting the Record Straight

In response to the public reaction, Nyaminde appeared on the Mic Cheque podcast to provide further context and refute the atheist claims. “Many concluded that I said I am an atheist. I'm not,” she clarified directly in a subsequent interview with the Daily Nation published on November 15, 2025. She explained that her views were misunderstood. “My lack of belief in an afterlife does not make me an atheist,” she stated.

Nyaminde defined her position as spiritual rather than religious, noting she does not subscribe to a specific denomination despite being raised in a Catholic family. “I cannot say that I am Catholic or Protestant. I do not follow any denomination, but I know that I am spiritual,” she explained. She affirmed her belief in a “superior being” to whom she prays, attributing this practice to her upbringing. “I pray because I saw my mum pray, and things happened. I have also prayed and seen things happen... I believe there is someone behind it all,” Nyaminde added.

A Household Name in Kenyan Entertainment

Jacqueline Nyaminde is one of Kenya’s most recognizable and beloved entertainers. She became a household name for her iconic role as Wilbroda in the long-running Citizen TV sitcom Papa Shirandula, which propelled her to national fame. Her career, which began at the Kenya National Theatre, has spanned over two decades and includes successful stints in radio. She has co-hosted popular morning shows on Radio Maisha, Citizen Radio, and is currently at Milele FM.

Beyond her work in media, Nyaminde is also a philanthropist, having co-founded a charity to support child health and hygiene initiatives. Her enduring popularity and public profile have placed her personal life and beliefs under intense scrutiny, a reality she acknowledged. “There will always be a price to pay for being famous. People feel like they own you,” she stated in her November 15 interview.

Implications for Public Discourse in Kenya

Nyaminde’s statements have opened up a broader conversation in Kenya, a predominantly religious country, about the diversity of personal beliefs and the public’s expectations of celebrities. Her willingness to openly question specific religious doctrines while affirming her spirituality highlights a nuanced position that challenges binary labels like ‘believer’ or ‘atheist’.

The debate underscores the significant role of faith in Kenyan public life and the often-intense pressure on public figures to conform to societal norms. Nyaminde’s clarification serves as a prominent case study of a celebrity navigating the complexities of personal conviction and public perception in the digital age, where comments can be rapidly amplified and often decontextualized. Her stance has been met with a mix of criticism from those who view her beliefs as contradictory to Christian teachings and praise from others who commend her for her authenticity.