Houseboy with TV job dream: Graduate's hidden life in Nairobi

Solomon Musembi Mwongela is a trained journalist who graduated with a diploma in TV production. But instead of starting his career behind a camera or in a newsroom, he found himself working as a houseboy in Nairobi. He spoke to SILAS NYAMWEYA about the journey that led him there, and the quiet escape that gave him back his freedom.   

Tell us about yourself.

I come from Makueni County but currently live in Ruiru. I am a graduate of Mahanaim College, where I studied TV production.

When did you discover your passion for journalism?

It began in primary school back in 2014 when I was in Class 5. I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I said a news anchor. In high school, I joined the journalism club and used to present weekly news during assemblies. That is when I knew it was something I truly loved.

How did you end up working as a houseboy despite your journalism qualification?

I am the firstborn in a family of four, and my siblings depend on me. I didn’t want to stay in the village because I felt there were limited opportunities there. So, I travelled to Nairobi, specifically Ruaka, even though I had no one to host me. I approached a local church pastor and asked if I could stay there.

Fortunately, I had some keyboard skills, and the church’s regular pianist had just left. I was offered the chance to serve as the church keyboardist and caretaker, living within the church compound. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford to pay me, and an attempt to start a business also failed.

Eventually, the church administrator, who was a single mother and tired of employing housemaids, offered me a job at her home. She needed someone to help care for her son, taking him to school, assisting with homework, playing football with him. That’s how I became a houseboy.

How was your experience working as a houseboy?

It was incredibly difficult. I kept it a secret, probably fewer than 10 friends knew I was working as a houseboy. I often felt ashamed.

In the estate, I was the only male domestic worker, and that alone was traumatising. My employer would often shout at me in front of guests, and at times, she physically assaulted me. I would go to bed in tears, but I had no other option. I didn’t want to return to the village. I lived in constant fear, was isolated, and had very limited freedom. I sometimes went unpaid for up to six months.

Eventually, the emotional toll became unbearable, and I sneaked away without telling anyone after working for her for two years and nine days.

What did you do after leaving the job?

With help from friends, I started selling sugarcane around Ruiru with only Sh160 as capital. The business kept me going for a while until I landed a job as an untrained teacher at a private school, which I am currently doing.

Do you still hope to work in journalism one day?

Absolutely. I would love to find a platform where I can apply my journalism skills. I want to use my story to encourage someone out there who feels stuck or hopeless. I believe that if you put God first and keep pushing, your breakthrough will come.