She is one of Kenya’s most beloved media personalities, known for her sharp wit and fierce independence. But Ciru Muriuki has proved that even the strongest women can fall for a “professional” charmer.
In a candid and often hilarious appearance on the Iko Nini podcast, the 42-year-old journalist detailed the moment her world imploded after discovering her then-boyfriend—a medical student—was running a secret “empire” of multiple women.
The star described the ordeal as a brutal lesson in “character development,” revealing how she was blinded by his “vibes” and charisma until a web of lies came crashing down at his graduation.
The betrayal began with a seemingly innocent lie. Ciru’s boyfriend claimed his medical school graduation would be a “quiet family affair” with no room for a party or a plus-one.
However, the truth was far more scandalous. Far from a low-key dinner, the graduate was hosting a full-blown celebration—attended by several other women who all believed they were his one-and-only.
“I found out there was a full party, and there were several of us there,” Ciru recalled, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
“There was a hierarchy! There was the ‘Main’ girlfriend who was feeding him cake and taking all the photos.”
The realization hit Ciru like a ton of bricks as she watched the intimate scene unfold from the sidelines.
“I realized I wasn’t even the second choice. I was basically an ‘assistant’ girlfriend in his secret system.”
Despite the sting of the discovery, Ciru was refreshingly honest about why she stayed as long as she did. She admitted that her ex was “incredibly charming” and had the kind of personality that made it easy to overlook the glaring red flags.
“The vibes were top-tier, and that’s how they get you,” she warned.
“I was overlooking things I should have questioned because he was so fun to be around. But ultimately, it was a vital lesson in self-worth and setting boundaries.”
The story has resonated with thousands of young women online, with Ciru using the platform to challenge the societal pressure on women to find fulfillment solely through relationships.
The lighthearted retelling of her past “character development” comes amidst a much deeper personal journey for the star.
Ciru has been a beacon of strength and vulnerability following the sudden and tragic passing of her fiancé, the legendary actor Charles Ouda, in February 2024.
Since losing the man she described as the “love of her life,” Ciru has become a powerful advocate for grief awareness and female empowerment.
By sharing her “horror” dating stories from the past, she hopes to encourage women to prioritize themselves and refuse to settle for being an “assistant” in someone else’s life.
As she moves forward, Ciru’s message to her followers is clear: “Don’t ignore the red flags just because the vibes are good. You are the ‘Main’ in your own story.”
