Award-winning Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, is celebrating her son Leon Karanja as he turns 19—a major milestone for the beloved star and her family.
Taking to Instagram, Kate penned a touching tribute to her son, expressing her deep love and gratitude for the young man he has become.
“Happiest 19th, my baby. We thank God this far. He has kept every promise. May God guide you and protect you as you navigate your last year as a teen. I love you so much,” she wrote alongside photos of the celebrant.
Kate, one of Kenya’s most celebrated actresses, became a mother at the age of 19 while studying at Kampala International University in Uganda.
Over the years, she has openly shared her journey of young motherhood, which she once described as the first significant risk she ever took in life.
“Being a mother,” she said during a Quickfire session with Mpasho, when asked about the biggest risk she has ever taken.
While not framing it as a sacrifice, Kate highlighted the immense courage and responsibility that decision demanded of her at such a young age.
Kate was previously married to filmmaker and former Tahidi High actor Phillip Karanja. The couple tied the knot on 17 November 2017 but publicly announced their separation in September 2023, sharing their intention to proceed with an amicable divorce.
However, love found her again when the thespian begun dating business man Michael Mwangi some months later.
by allan muriithi
