Kenyan comedian Onjiri has opened up about his battle with alcohol addiction, revealing how a habit that began in childhood eventually spiralled into a struggle that affected nearly every aspect of his life.
Speaking during an interview on the Over 1M Podcast hosted by Tony Mwirigi, Onjiri reflected on his journey with alcohol, the impact it had on his career and personal life, and the moment he realised he needed help.
Early Introduction to Alcohol
According to the comedian, his relationship with alcohol started at a surprisingly young age.
“I took my first drink when I was in Class 5. It started as childhood curiosity, but by the time I was growing up, it was already a habit,” he said.
Onjiri explained that as he ventured into the entertainment industry, alcohol became even more accessible and gradually turned into a way of coping with the pressures that come with public life.
“In the entertainment industry, alcohol is everywhere. You use it to cope with the pressure, the stress, and the expectations of the public,” he said.
He added that maintaining a cheerful public image often masked the personal struggles he was experiencing behind the scenes.
“People expect you to always be the funny, happy guy they see on screen, even when you are broken inside,” he noted.
Reaching a Breaking Point
The comedian described a period when his addiction began taking a serious toll on his life, affecting both his finances and relationships.
“It got to a point where I was literally staring at death,” he revealed.
Onjiri said he lost substantial amounts of money, valuable assets, and important personal connections as the addiction worsened over time.
“I lost millions of shillings, I lost properties, and I ruined valuable relationships,” he said.
Reflecting on the experience, he described alcoholism as a gradual but devastating force that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has been done.
“Alcoholism is the slowest, easiest way to destroy a human being,” he added.
Choosing Recovery
Onjiri said his recovery journey began when he stopped denying the reality of his situation and accepted that he needed help.
“The battle doesn’t start until you stop lying to yourself,” he said.
He recalled a defining moment when he finally confronted the truth about his condition.
“I am defeated, I have a problem, and I need help,” he admitted.
The comedian’s candid account has sparked conversations online about addiction, mental health, and the pressures faced by people in the entertainment industry, with many praising him for speaking openly about his experience and recovery journey.