Minne Kariuki on The Real Housewives of Nairobi Season 2

Minne Kariuki wants you to see the realest side of her on The Real Housewives of Nairobi, and Season 2, currently streaming on Showmax, is no different. She says it’s the most unique thing about her, other than being the Queen of Shade, of course. “I realise that we live in a world with so much fakeness, and I think I shine through because I bring realness to the screen. It’s all about being who you are, and also being outspoken and standing up for yourself,” she says.

Looking at where it all started, how would you describe your growth journey from The Real Housewives of Nairobi S1 until now?

There’s been a lot of growth for me. I love the drama and the shade but sometimes it can get a bit toxic and exhausting mentally. I wanted this season to be more peaceful because of course of my situation – being pregnant. Watching Season 2, you also get to see a lot of growth in my family and in my business.

Talking about your pregnancy, you and Vera Sidika, who you’re such good friends with, seem to have switched places as she was pregnant last season. It’s like the two of you have switched roles. Is this something you two laugh about and how is the friendship going?

Vee and I have definitely switched roles. I mean, she’s the diva now, doing so many crazy things. She’s so outspoken this season. And I am the one who’s now pregnant, tired all the time and hungry. My relationship with her has definitely grown, and even away from the cameras, we’re really good friends and she’s someone my family really adores. One thing I love about our relationship is that it’s true and genuine, and you get to see a lot of that too in Season 2. She’s gone through a very difficult time and honestly, I love the new Vee because she’s really come out of her shell this season and is showing us who she really is.

It can’t have been easy filming Season 2 while pregnant?

When you watch the show, you’ll definitely see me struggling throughout the season, especially during the second trimester. I was so nauseated, vomiting and hungry most of the time. I’ll be very honest; it was a very difficult pregnancy but I carried it through with strength. And I was still there for my friends when they needed me; I showed up. One great support system that I had during this whole experience and who has been there for me all through is my husband Charles and of course, my children, and you get to see a lot of that in Season 2.

Talking about your relationship with Charles, it’s been refreshing to see it all on screen. There’s also this joke among fans from S1 that he’s your gossip partner. How do you feel about that?

My husband, of course, continues being my gossip partner, my best friend, my pillar of strength and my prayer partner. We’ve gone through so much together and in Season 2, we’re showing the audience that we have a very organic marriage. We go through our ups and downs, and it wouldn’t be fair to show the audience that we’re always a perfect couple. It can be very hard to be open and genuine about your marriage to the audience because you don’t know the kind of attacks you will get from them, but then again, I’m a real person and I live a very real life.

Catch The Real Housewives of Nairobi S2 on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.