The Heartbreaking Story of Cindy ‘Mama Stella’ After Machachari

Clara Wamaitha, popularly known as Cindy or Mama Stella, marked her name in the film industry by featuring in Citizen TV’s series, Machachari. In the show she portrayed an irresponsible and drunkard mother. Her character clearly affected and victimized her daughter Stella, who was a primary school pupil at the time. Additionally, Cindy was very stubborn, hence causing trouble with neighbors and friends.

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However, a few years ago, the show came to an end, thus meaning she had to look for something else to do. Cindy’s transition period was faced with difficulties as she battled a skin condition that made it difficult to land new acting roles and gigs. In this segment Times Digital Kenya will take a closer look at Mama Stella’s battle with the skin condition after leaving the Machachari drama show.

Post Machachari transition

Things were not easy for Cindy after Machachari. This is as she was pushed into depression due to her health condition. Things got even more difficult as she no longer got acting roles. As a result, she did not have a steady income, thus lacking proper medical care. Sadly, this worsened her health condition.  

“At some point I got depressed, and accepting my condition was the most difficult part. Remember, I’m an artist, so the moment your skin changes, there are people who won’t want to work with you,” Clara Wamaitha revealed in an interview on YouTube

Struggles with skin disease 

Actually, Cindy noticed a slight coloring on her hand while still acting on Machachari. However, she wasn’t very keen on her skin but later realized it was a serious issue. Mama Stella even revealed that she regrets not following up on the skin issue after realizing the light spot on her hand. 

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Later, she sought medical attention only to realize that she was suffering from vitiligo (a condition that discolors some spots on the skin). This condition affected her emotionally and forced her into depression. Henceforth, Cindy tried different ways to treat the disease in vain. At some point, her mother took her to a witch doctor to seek help, but it didn’t work out as planned. 

“My mum could listen to so many stories about the disease, and at one point, I found myself in Kawangwarei in a very big pot with a lid on it, and I was waiting for the fire to light,” Cindy revealed

At the time she was jobless, thus causing more stress. During this moment, her daughter funded all the medical bills. Even though they did everything possible to cure the illness, Cindy had to accept her condition at last. However, it came with consequences; most people in the film industry distanced themselves from her due to the skin condition.

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That’s not all, Mama Stella was forced to hide from the public for 3 years. This is after most of the people told her very many incentive words.

“Watu walikuwa wakifikiri nilihama ama tuliwachana na mzee nikatoka…Watu walikuwa wakisema akona HIV, akona cancer, alichomwa, alienda na bwana ya mtu,” she revealed in a past interview.

Coping Mechanisms and Support

A few years ago, Cindy got help from family members and friends to help manage her condition. For instance, Clara’s daughter supported her through various ways, such as funds and helping her to stabilize her self-esteem. 

Additionally, Mama Stella received help from the government of Kenya. This is after Kenya’s Vitiligo Ambassador (at the time), Wangui Njee, visited her. The former actress was educated about vitiligo and government programs that assist people with such conditions.

The post The Heartbreaking Story of Cindy ‘Mama Stella’ After Machachari appeared first on Times Digital Kenya.