Jackie Matubia, a renowned actress and influencer, has been candid about her personal life, particularly her first marriage, which she describes as a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Matubia’s marriage to Kennedy Njogu, a man working in the aviation industry, began in 2014 and ended in 2019, after seven years of an on-and-off relationship. In the years that followed their separation, Matubia has reflected on the reasons behind the failure of her first marriage, acknowledging that while material comforts were never lacking, the relationship became strained due to conflicting life goals and personal growth needs.
The couple’s marriage, which began when they were both in their early twenties, was characterized by both love and challenges. According to Matubia, the relationship was filled with frequent arguments, and over time, it became clear that their marriage was no longer fulfilling her personal ambitions. “For seven years, I’d pack up and leave, then return. One day, I looked in the mirror and asked myself, ‘What makes Jackie happy?’” she shared. This introspection led her to realize that the constant fighting had normalized chaos in their lives, prompting her to make the difficult decision to walk away.
Despite the emotional toll, Matubia insists that her ex-husband was not to blame for everything that went wrong. “I never lacked anything in my past marriage,” she explained. “He was always there, providing for all my needs and ensuring that I never had to ask for anything.” Njogu, she notes, was a very supportive partner who bought her a car, helped them secure a beautiful home, and met even the smallest of her needs. However, despite all of this, Matubia felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction and unease.
One of the key reasons for the breakdown of their marriage, according to Matubia, was the difference in their aspirations. While Njogu was comfortable with her staying at home to focus on motherhood, Matubia had always been determined to pursue her own ambitions. “He wanted me to be a stay-at-home mom, which conflicted with my personality,” she explained. “I’ve always been the type to work and pursue something for myself. Being confined at home just didn’t align with who I am.”
While being a housewife is a fulfilling choice for many women, for Matubia, it felt restrictive. She had dreams and a vision she wanted to achieve, and staying at home without working became increasingly difficult for her. “That’s where the friction began,” she said. As the years passed, it became evident that their differing views on career and family life created an unbridgeable gap, eventually contributing to the demise of their marriage.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Matubia and Njogu’s marriage also saw them juggling early parenthood alongside the stresses of young marriage. At just 23, they tied the knot, and by the time Matubia was 25, she had become a mother. The pressure of managing careers, parenthood, and a marriage at such a young age, compounded by a lack of mentorship or guidance on navigating these challenges, left both parties feeling overwhelmed.
Matubia has openly acknowledged the positive aspects of her relationship with Njogu, particularly his unwavering support, but she also recognizes that their differing goals and lifestyle choices ultimately created irreconcilable differences. She has made it clear that her decision to divorce was rooted in her need to fulfill her own potential and not be confined to a role that didn’t reflect her true self.
In contrast to her positive reflections on her first marriage, Matubia has been less favorable when discussing her second marriage to actor Blessing Lungaho, the father of her second child. She has openly criticized him and expressed dissatisfaction with their relationship, noting that it did not provide the same sense of fulfillment or support that her first marriage had.
Through her experiences, Matubia has learned valuable lessons about the importance of self-fulfillment, personal growth, and finding a balance between family life and personal ambition. Though her first marriage may have ended in divorce, her willingness to share her story has allowed her to connect with many who may have faced similar struggles. Matubia’s journey highlights the complexities of relationships, where love, support, and ambition must coexist for a partnership to thrive.
