She emerges as the offspring of the notorious former bank robber turned celebrated author, John Kiriamiti. Like her father, Annrita Kiriamiti is carving her own path to recognition, albeit through unique avenues.
In the midst of recounting her journey, this blossoming talent – an actress, author, and scriptwriter – candidly shares her life story, her passions, aspirations, and the intricate challenges entailed in bearing the Kiriamiti name.
“Introducing myself as Annrita Kiriamiti, I proudly acknowledge my lineage, tracing it back to my father, the once-infamous bank robber and acclaimed writer, John Kiriamiti. The realization of my father’s fame wasn’t immediate; growing up surrounded by books and the knowledge of his authorship, I absorbed a certain familiarity.
The household echoed with revered names like Ngugi Wa Thiong’o and Mwangi Gicheru, which I held in high regard. Yet, the magnitude of my father’s influence escaped me, and I puzzled over the enigmatic visits of people from around the world to meet this seemingly unassuming man.
Not until I reached the age of ten did I grasp the peculiarity of my family background. Enrolled in primary school, whispers of ‘Kiriamiti’ began to follow me as older students pointed fingers. Naturally, curiosity fueled my desire to comprehend the man that the world perceived, and I yearned to delve into the contents of those books adorned with his name.
At that juncture, my father deemed me too young to peruse his works, prompting me to adopt the time-honored Kiriamiti approach: I covertly borrowed a copy of “My Life in Crime”. Over the following days, the essence of the name ‘Kiriamiti’ and its significance in our nation’s narrative unfurled before me.
Yet, being the child of such a figure brings its own set of challenges. Firstly, it’s an arduous task to stand as tall as he does, regardless of the context. Furthermore, his presence effortlessly commands attention whenever he enters a room. Despite this, I can’t envision being born into any other circumstance.
My father’s influence has been the defining force in my life, becoming increasingly evident as time advances. While I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my adulthood to forging an identity distinct from his, I invariably circle back to the very essence of who he is: a writer.
During my formative years, my parents consistently emphasized the boundless nature of my aspirations. Their unwavering support surprised me when I expressed my ambition to become an actress, a sentiment they both took to heart.
I remain deeply grateful for the steadfast encouragement I receive from my family, as their belief in me has propelled my journey. Without their faith, I might never have pursued this path. Although my tenure in the film industry has been relatively brief, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to numerous local projects. My inaugural endeavor was a short film crafted to commemorate the victims of the Westgate terror attack, aptly named “The Lucky One”.
The zenith of my career, thus far, has been the collaboration with Raymond Ofula on a short film titled “Toba”, a poignant exploration of contemporary relationship tribulations faced by the youth. My fervent dedication to the local film industry is underscored by my conviction in its vast potential. The privilege I possess in shaping the industry and the narratives we present on screen is not lost on me.
Away from the camera’s gaze, my thoughts are channeled into penning scripts and conceiving film concepts. I often remind my father that even without a published book to my name, I remain an active writer. My mind operates at a frenetic pace, a fact my mother, Juliana Kiriamiti, can barely keep up with.
The notion of confining myself to a singular pursuit doesn’t resonate with me; as a creative, I believe in pursuing the uncharted territories my mind envisions. It’s the sole avenue to unearth the brilliance within.
While it may appear that my life adheres to a predetermined course, I’ve come to embrace the capriciousness inherent in life. As a twenty-something, I’ve grappled with the expectation of having my path meticulously laid out, always aware of the next step. Yet, I’ve discovered, often the hard way, that until you reconcile with yourself and unveil your complete essence, the risk of forfeiting opportunities tailored exclusively for you looms large.
Oh, and did I mention that my educational journey comprised attendance at Moi Girls’, Eldoret, followed by State House Girls’, where I sat for my Form Four exams? Additionally, I pursued a Communication degree at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
by: Dionz