Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger” 

She is a diva. She is the queen of shade. She is Minne.

Following a successful (and dramatic) run on The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 2, Minne makes a comeback for another season of Single Kiasi where she plays the sassy Mariah. 

This season, we see Mariah recovering from her Dixon (Jimmy Gathu) breakup. Fierce and fearless, she dives into a new relationship. 

In an exclusive, Minne unpacks motherhood, marriage and shooting intimate scenes in the new season.

From being a fan favourite on The Real Housewives of Nairobi and Single Kiasi to owning a construction business, how do you juggle it all?  

 There was a point in my acting career when I was this close to walking away. The money just wasn’t making sense, and I could not see how acting was adding any real value to my life. But you know what saved me? My incredible support system. My husband, Lugz, has been my rock – cheering me on through every single high and low.

When I landed Single Kiasi, I never imagined it would blow up like this. I just took a leap of faith. I remember praying and telling God, “This better be it.” Four years later, here I am. Not just thriving as an actress but also successfully running my own side businesses.

People think acting is all glitz and glam, but trust me, it takes serious discipline. My call times can be insane – sometimes I’m on set at 5AM and wrapping at midnight. And remember, I am still a mum – a lactating mum at that. Balancing it all isn’t magic; it’s pure focus, determination, and hard work. 

The truth is, whether it is business or acting, without discipline and consistency, you fail. In this industry, if you are not laser-focused, you won’t last long.  

It’s been more than a year since you gave birth to your “miracle” baby boy. How did this (after your miscarriage) influence your return to the set of Single Kiasi Season 4?  

Talking openly about my infertility struggle left me feeling so vulnerable. It already weighed heavily on me, and especially on my husband – he wanted so badly for us to expand our family. 

Loss changes you. It strips away the filters and forces you to be your most authentic self. I was able to carry that vulnerability straight into the Season 4 set. This time, even before stepping on set, I felt different – softer, more open, more willing to show the raw parts of myself. 

This enabled me to portray Mariah as someone who is willing to fight for her friendships. That’s real for me. I don’t want to lose the people who matter. Sharing my story of loss taught me that you don’t have to be perfect – in fact, being real is far more powerful. 

In past seasons, Mariah has been closely associated to her sponsors and wababaz. How does Season 4 test her independence after her Dixon (Jimmy Gathu) break up? 

Without revealing too much, viewers will finally see her talented side. Mariah’s a natural-born marketer – she gets digital content creation like no one else, and this season, she’s out here taking up space and owning it. 

Honestly, she is a superstar in everything she touches. So yes, expect to see Mariah in an office, doing her thing, proving she doesn’t need anyone to prop her up.  

It is now more than 10 years of marriage. What are some of your non-negotiables in life and relationships? 

I have set my bar so high. I say this openly: I’m a gold digger. Yeah, I’m digging gold – not dirt. Poverty? No thanks. We are not about to glorify that. 

Listen, I like my life a certain way. I want to drive a German machine – and I will drive a German machine. Period. Full stop. There is no shame in saying I want a man who tries. 

I’m not basic – do I even look basic to you? Exactly. There’s no shame in wanting more, demanding better, and living large.  

What was the most challenging scene to shoot this season? 

Mariah has always been that sassy, sexy woman everyone loves – but has never really had to film those super-intimate scenes until now.

This season, things get hot, and shooting those scenes was no walk in the park. At least the fans are going to see a whole new side of Mariah, and maybe of me too.  

You remain vocal and continue sharing messages of hope for women struggling with infertility – how does being a public figure give you a platform to change narratives around womanhood? 

Over the years, I have learned that when you are real and authentic, people believe you. There is no shame in saying, “I’ve been through loss,” or “I’ve struggled with this condition.” In fact, speaking up helps so many others. You have no idea how many women you’re holding by the hand just by telling your truth.

When I openly share my story – my pain, my infertility journey, my losses – it gives other women courage to step out of the shadows.

Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s strength. And if being a public figure means I get to change the narrative around womanhood, then I will keep shouting it from the rooftops. 

Who would win a Single Kiasi karaoke battle? 

Sintamei (Gathoni Mutua). The girl can sing. 

Which emoji best describes Season 4?  

The eggplant. (chuckles) 

If your character could have a crossover with any other Kenyan show, which would it be? 

The Chocolate Empire. 

Watch the trailer for Single Kiasi S4

 Watch Minne Kariuki in Single Kiasi Season 4, now streaming. New episodes land every Wednesday on Showmax.