Imeldah Kigunda: Profile Of Radio Boss Who Caught Sonko's Attention

Before reports emerged on Wednesday, May 17 that left the country talking, the name Imelda Mwendwa Kigunda was one that was only common in some social circles.

Kigunda was arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts before Principal Magistrate Renee Kitagwa to answer to charges amounting to damage to property valued at Ksh235,605. She allegedly damaged her ex-boyfriend, Vincent Alata's car as well as his television set and laptop on January 18, 2023.

The court was informed that she committed the offence on that day at Gemini Club, Nairobi county, contrary to the law. Reports added that the two had arguments over cheating allegations which led to the said offence.

 Imelda Mwendwa Kigunda at the Kibera court on May 17, 2023. /THE STAR

In court, Kigunda, through her lawyer Brian Mwenda pleaded with the court for a lenient bond term release, arguing that she was a law-abiding citizen and was not a flight risk.

Mwenda told the court to supply her with all the documentary evidence that the prosecutions intended to rely on during the entire trial. She denied the charges and was released on Ksh100,000 bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh50,000, with Kitagwa directing that the case proceeds on Wednesday, May 31 for pre-trials and further directions.

Flamboyant politician and former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, got wind of the case and condemned men for taking action against women whom they have been dating for destroying property in the wake of cheating allegations.

He urged anyone with information regarding Kigunda's case to send the court case number, saying he would cater for her legal representation and even find her a female lawyer.

"This is totally unacceptable, friends and relatives of this lady send me the court case number with immediate effect so that I bail her out. Then, for any lady lawyer to pick that case and defend this lady, I will meet the legal fees on her behalf," stated Sonko on Thursday, May 18.

Kigunda was unavailable for comment or clarification on the case when contacted by Viral Tea, however, she did release a public statement on her Instagram stories, denying any romantic links to Alata.

"The past few months have been incredibly difficult and unwarranted period for me and my family, privately however since yesterday it has gone from not so bad to hard.

"There is a gross misrepresentation of the truth, I am a party in an ongoing matter in a court of Law so out of respect for the judicial system and the legal acuity of my attorneys I will be brief and precise. I have never been married to or had ANY intimate relationship whatsoever with Mr V," she stated.

Kigunda promised to conclusively address the matter and clear her name while expressing confidence that the truth would prevail on her behalf.

"We were barely acquainted. In the fullness of time and with context I will clear my name in court, I do not aspire to prosecute or defend my case in public, In the fullness of time the truth will vindicate me," she added.

Imeldah Kigunda Profile

Kigunda is an experienced Account Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry. According to her LinkedIn bio, she is skilled in Marketing Strategy, Public Speaking, Online Marketing, Project Management and Social Media Marketing.

The 26-year-old has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Banking from Moi University and currently works as the Account Manager at Soundcity Africa, a 24-hour Nigerian lifestyle and music TV channel based in Lagos from Consolidated Media Associates Limited and which is home to Soundcity Radio, where TikTok star Azziad Nasenya works as a radio presenter.

Kigunda held a similar role at NRG Radio for two years, between December 2019 and July 2021. Before that, she worked as a Marketing Executive and Sales Team Lead in real estate companies based in Nairobi.

Her social media profile shows a woman with a preference for the finer things in life as she has been to popular destinations across the country as well as popular events.

Imeldah Kigunda posing for a photo. /INSTAGRAM.IMELDAH KIGUNDA