Abel Mutua, a renowned scriptwriter and actor who garnered accolades for his work, recently shared intriguing insights into his stint at Citizen TV, particularly his role as an actor and camera operator on the popular show Tahidi High.
During an episode of the Mic Cheque podcast, Mutua disclosed an unexpected discovery that occurred when they were receiving a mere Sh3,000 for each episode as part of the Tahidi High cast. According to Mutua, SK Macharia, the head honcho, stumbled upon their payroll and was astounded to learn that the cast, considered superstars, was earning a meager Sh3,000.
Prompted by this revelation, Macharia decided to rectify the situation and ordered a significant salary boost, tripling their earnings from Sh3,000 to Sh9,000 per episode. Additionally, an extra Sh1,000 was allocated for miscellaneous expenses such as uniforms and shoes. Consequently, from the eighth season onward, Mutua and his colleagues were earning a more substantial Sh10,000 per episode.
Mutua delved further into his multifaceted role during this period, elucidating that he received salaries for three distinct roles—scriptwriter, actor, and camera operator. Scriptwriting fetched him Sh15,000 per episode, while camera operation brought in an additional Sh7,000 per episode.
The narrative also extended to Mutua’s longstanding friendship with Phillip Karanja, which originated in college. The two not only shared the same college entry date but also became roommates and were simultaneously selected for Tahidi High and hired by Citizen TV on the very same day. Their camaraderie extended to cohabiting in Pangani.
In Tahidi High, Mutua portrayed the character Freddie, alongside notable figures like Phillip Karanja as Johnny, Sarah Hassan as Tanya, and Dennis Mugo as OJ, among others. These individuals collectively formed the backbone of the show, creating memorable characters such as Principal Tembo, Miss Morgan, and Shishi.
In a more personal reflection, Mutua recounted a challenging moment when he nearly lost consciousness in the bathroom. Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a new parent, Mutua’s dedication to providing for his child led to exhaustion. In a vulnerable situation, he fainted while alone at home, with only the househelp present to assist him.
Mutua’s revelations provide a captivating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by those working in the spotlight.
