Lolani Kalu, a celebrated Kenyan media personality known for his mastery of Swahili, sharp wit, and versatility across journalism, acting, music, poetry, and comedy, has shared his struggles following his departure from NTV.
Kalu is widely respected for his storytelling, ground reporting, and ability to blend humor with serious news, earning him a reputation as one of Kenya’s greatest Swahili journalists.
After nearly two decades with NTV, Kalu left the station in December 2017. In the years that followed, he faced severe financial difficulties, which he openly discussed in interviews around September 2020.
How He Was Conned
Kalu’s troubles worsened when he was scammed out of his life savings, estimated at KSh 1.5 million to KSh 2 million, by a rogue building contractor.
He had hired the individual—or company—to construct a retirement bungalow along Kangundo Road in Machakos County, paying the money upfront as a deposit.
However, the contractor vanished without completing any work, leaving Kalu unable to build the home and effectively starting over.
Describing the loss as a major setback, Kalu noted that the scam "dented [his] pockets," particularly as he was already handling significant family medical expenses. The incident forced him to remain in a rental property instead of moving into his own home as planned.
Despite the financial hardships, Kalu’s influence in Kenyan media and his passion for Swahili journalism remain undiminished.
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