Makena Njeri stopped going to church due to safety concerns after coming out and announcing her orientation as a lesbian.
Njeri said she made herself vulnerable by making her life an open book. She, however, says her experience would serve as a gateway for all people to be “loved for who they are and just as they are.”
The LGBT advocate said she felt discriminated against and unwelcome in an institution that should serve as a refuge for people going through persecution.
Makena’s disclosure was such a huge issue that some of her family members ostracized her.
Chris Makena Njeri’s relationship was the subject of a media buzz in July 2019 when her partner, Mitchelle Ntalami, vandalized her Mercedes Benz after a disagreement.
The incident likely led to her orientation becoming public knowledge and the beginning of her depression. She said the incident led to her self-acceptance and was the beginning of her “journey to boldness.”
After her publicized relationship drama, former musician Kaz expressed her love for Makena. Kaz thanked God for the “little pumpkin of mine” admitting they were more than just friends.
Makena’s orientation was under question by many people who questioned her dressing choices. The renowned media personality had also admitted that “I don’t have dresses.”
The soft-spoken Makena Njeri admits that she had a rough upbringing and suffered from depression.
Makena told NTV’s Unscripted that grew up with an alcoholic, unfaithful, and abusive father who infected her mother with HIV. The former Tahidi high actor said she would bump into her father with different women.
After discovering her condition, she refused to disclose her condition to her children and sank into severe depression. The condition eventually led to the death of her both parents.
Njeri’s mother died in 2013 and she chose not to speak to her father until he was on his deathbed two years later. She forgave and set him free.
While her troubled childhood likely contributed to her mental illness, Makena attributed her depression to her sexual orientation.
Makena’s orientation is a big deal in the country because many Kenyans oppose homosexuality.
Makena spoke boldly after the murder of a member of the LGBT community Sheila Lumumba allegedly killed by six men because of her sexual orientation.
“We mourn the death of another human being who was raped and killed by six men. Reason? HOMOPHOBIA.”
Although nobody has ever been prosecuted for homosexuality, the constitution of Kenya bans same-sex relations under articles 162 and 165 of the penal code. The High Court of Kenya also upheld the law in the May 24, 2019 ruling.
Image: Chris Makena Njeri appearance with Shikshaarora: Source: MakenaNjeri/Instagram
Taking after her mother who was an actor, Makena started acting in preschool, and through high school before landing a role at Tahidi High.
She’s also the CEO and Founder of Bold Network Africa, which advocates for LGBT rights.
