Former Machachari actress Clara Wamaitha, popularly known as Cindy, has opened up about her years-long struggle with alcohol addiction and how her role on the popular Kenyan television show contributed to the problem.
Cindy, who played Mama Stella, shared her experience in a TikTok video, explaining how drinking that initially began as a social activity gradually became an addiction that affected different areas of her life.
She said her drinking started with occasional outings with friends after work. However, after joining Machachari, the attention and lifestyle that came with the role changed her habits and drinking became increasingly difficult to control.
Cindy described reaching a stage where she was drinking continuously, while also missing meals, losing sleep and neglecting her responsibilities. She said the addiction also led to dishonesty, damaged important relationships and affected her mental wellbeing.
The actress explained that addiction can develop gradually, making it difficult for someone to recognise the seriousness of the problem. She said she would become defensive when people around her tried to point out her drinking.
Cindy said she is now approaching four years of sobriety, identifying December 9 as the turning point in her recovery. She credited God for helping her overcome the difficult period and said she plans to share more about her journey in a follow-up video.
She also spoke about the financial challenges associated with rehabilitation, saying a mandatory three-month programme can cost about KSh100,000. She noted that such costs can make treatment difficult to access for many people struggling with addiction.
Cindy urged people supporting loved ones affected by addiction not to give up on them, describing the condition as an illness rather than simply a character problem.
The actress has previously spoken about living with vitiligo and its impact on her acting career. Despite those challenges, she has also shared family moments publicly, including a birthday celebration for her husband attended by their children.
Her latest disclosure has given fans a personal account of a difficult period in her life while highlighting her progress since seeking help and beginning her recovery.