Former Swahili reporter Lolani Kalu is back in the spotlight with his wise words.
The journalist is currently an actor in the Citizen TV's series Sultana playing the role of Babu.
He was recently on an interview at Buzz Central, where he addressed retirement issues and how the government has failed artists.
Kalu advised netizens, especially journalists to live within their means, and not be pressured to impress the expectations of the people.
"Watu ndio huwafanya hawa wanahabari au watu wanaoingia kwenye fame wabadilike, ni hao fans.Akikuona kwenye matatu anashtuka anakuuliza ni kweli ni wewe. Yaani yeye haamini unaweza ukaingia kwenye matatu."
As a famous journalist, he was able to relate to the challenges journalists are facing in their daily lives, especially those who are well-known.
He added there is nothing as frustrating as retiring while being broke.
"Unavyozeeka, ni vyema ukiwa na pesa maana ikiwa huna, basi utapata taabu. Watu wanakukimbia ukiwa huna hela.
Mwili wako umechoka unahitaji ukandwe na kupata chakula kizuri. Kama huna pesa na unaendelea kuzeeka, hayakuachi mbali haya maradhi."
He added, "Maisha ina mitihani na nimejifunza mengi. Wanahabari wengi wanataka waishi maisha ambao sio yao, level yao. Fame nyingi inawafanya wengi kutaka kuwa na magari na kuishi kwenye majumba ya kifahari kwa sababu wanajiuliza watu watasemaje. Acha anasa na starehe. Fanya mazoezi,"
In 2018, Lolani was retrenched from the media space alongside other journalists despite having worked for the NTV station for close to two decades.
He went back home and life had not been easy for him.
Lolani revealed in an article published on news outlets that his problems started when someone conned him around Ksh 1.5 million he had been planning to build a house with.
He also started a production house which was not successful. This coupled with the fact that he had a father who was very sick. It also put a lot of strain on his finances.
He requested Kenyans to help him raise Ksh 200,000 to buy a camera and sound equipment, and an additional Ksh 50, 000 for a computer that would enable him to edit the footage.
Kenyans felt his sorrow and helped him raise up to Ksh 250,000.
This gesture melted Lolani's heart.
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