Award-winning actress Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, has addressed speculation surrounding her recent trip to the United States, asserting that it was not sponsored by the government.
Amidst reports that at least 30 individuals, including celebrities, accompanied President William Ruto on his state visit to the US, Kate Actress clarified that she was not part of the official delegation.
The controversy emerged following comments from social media users questioning the source of funding for the trip, estimated to have cost taxpayers millions of shillings in travel expenses alone.
Responding to a comment insinuating that she was enjoying taxpayer money, Kate Actress firmly refuted the notion, stating that her trip was entirely self-funded and an investment in her personal brand and business.
“My invitation was courtesy of the US Embassy in Nairobi, and this trip is completely self-funded, just in case you thought my brand was beans,” she asserted.
Emphasizing that her trip was a result of a personal invitation from the US Embassy, Kate Actress highlighted her commitment to investing in her career and expanding her opportunities.
While facing online criticism, Kate Actress found support from fellow celebrities and industry peers, including fashion designer Nimrod Nick, who commended her achievements and defended her right to the exposure provided by the trip.
However, amidst the praise and criticism, PR manager and event organizer Slahver offered advice to Kate Actress and other public figures, urging them to handle sensitive public reactions with professionalism and to refrain from responding impulsively online.
Kate Actress’s clarification comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the state visit, particularly concerning the expenses incurred and the outcomes of the trip, including an anticipated meeting with American actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry that did not materialize.
In addition to Kate Actress, other public figures who accompanied President Ruto on the US state visit included Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Defence CS Aden Duale, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, Governors Gladys Wanga and Wavinya Ndeti, Anne Waiguru, and Dennis Itumbi.
