Influencing, Viral Video, Pretty Privilege, Khalif Kairo: Cera Imani Tells All

Kairo announced that Cera Imani had left him, igniting speculation on whether their relationship was genuine or a means of seeking attention.

Influencing, Viral Video, Pretty Privilege, Khalif Kairo: Cera Imani Tells All
Waithera Imani during a photoshoot on May 10, 2024. /INSTAGRAM.CERA IMANI

Content creator now turned influencer Faith Waithera Imani, alias Cera Imani has of late gained nationwide popularity, moreso on social media platforms due to her much-publicised romantic relationship with Khalif Kairo, born Joseph Kairo Wambui, who is the founder of Kai & Karo Motors and currently leads as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

However, a few weeks after making their relationship public, Kairo announced that Cera Imani had left him, igniting speculation on whether their relationship was genuine or a means of seeking attention.

The split kept netizens on social media coming up with all manner of conspiracy theories pointing to possible causes of their split. On Thursday, May 16, Waithera in an interview with The Standard confirmed the split.

Cera Imani posing for a selfie with Khalif Kairo. /KHALIF KAIRO

"He's a smart businessman. I was surprised when he announced our breakup on X, but I accepted it and moved on. I hold no grudges and am focused on improving myself further.

"I prayed for a partner and Kairo came my way. We dated, and that was us. I always say you never know what life has in store for you, so just pray and take it as it is," she shared.

Her calm acceptance of the situation reflects her philosophy of life, embracing whatever comes her way, whether opportunities or setbacks.

Despite the breakup, she assured that she remained good friends with Kairo, adding that she valued the positive experiences from their time together and is now taking time to focus on herself.

"Everything is okay. Each time I am with someone, I take the good out of it. For now, I am relaxing. I need to grow. Life has no manual, no rules. I'll do my things, and if something comes along the way, then I'll see what it has for me," she said confidently.

Career & Influencing

Waithera studied Procurement and Logistics at Kabarak University and has six years of experience in the corporate world. During that period, she worked at Iconic Agricultural Company and Fuzu Recruitment Company, handling tenders, and with other phone companies.

Her venture into influencing took an almost similar direction to TikTok sensation Azziad Nasenya as, just like her, Waithera dove into influencing through the Utawezana dance challenge.

"I love dancing; it's therapeutic for me. Initially, I stopped influencing due to negative publicity, but I eventually learned to cope. I taught myself to edit videos and photos, and soon brands noticed me. That's how my journey as an influencer began," she stated.

Other than her professional pursuits, what also makes Waithera stand out is her passion for travel and fashion and through her social media presence, she showcases a diverse array of outfits, ranging from elegant dresses to chic jumpsuits, paired with stylish accessories, and has landed marketing deals with different brands as a result.

Her flair for fashion exemplifies her status as a trendsetter and fashionista within the digital sphere, something she would like people to remember her for as the epitome of classic fashion.

Social Media Fame & Spirituality

However, despite the fame that comes with being an online celebrity, Waithera does have a strong Christian background, terming prayer crucial for her.

"I’m very spiritual and believe that being solely religious can be misleading. I have a personal relationship with God, read the Bible, and listen to sermons. Being in God's presence gives me peace that surpasses human understanding. My faith has helped me through mental struggles because God truly understands who I am and my challenges," she explained, setting the record straight on individuals dressing stylishly yet being spiritual.

Waithera Imani posing for a photo on May 1, 2024. /INSTAGRAM.CERA IMANI

"Some expect born-again Christians to dress a certain way or avoid makeup, but that's a misconception. You can be stylish and still love and acknowledge God. Stereotypes often lead to misjudgments about a person's faith and character. It's important not to judge based on appearances."

Controversial Video

One such stereotype that saw her harshly judged for her character, amidst her relationship with Kairo, was a past video that surfaced showing her twerking in a club, which had attracted negative attention, as well as led netizens to question Kairo regarding her choice of an ideal woman based on past posts about women posing unfriendly characteristics and living lavish lifestyles.

According to Waithera, the video was posted by an individual who recorded her without her consent, adding "Despite asking him to stop and promising to delete it, he posted it a year later while I was in a relationship."

She questioned the timing of the video's release, suggesting it was aimed to create drama following her relationship's gaining of public attention.

Online Bullies

Regarding handling the fame and negative publicity on social media inclusive of online bullies, Waithera is unbothered as, despite the negativity, she still gets approached by brands seeking to bank on the attention she gets.

"My advice is to mind your own business and do what makes you happy, regardless of what others say. This motivates me in the online world—I won’t let anyone stop me.

"My family isn’t bothered by online bullies because they know me. Brands understand this dynamic; they work with me regardless of the publicity I receive. Haters, in a way, enhance my influence—they are a blessing in disguise," she added.

Pretty Privilege

Regarding assumptions on "pretty privilege", Waithera deemed this exaggerated for a woman of her stature to receive special treatment, saying "Yes, I sometimes receive better service, but beauty alone isn't enough. Many beautiful girls don't achieve much beyond their looks."

According to her, success requires effort and seizing opportunities, adding that though people may think she has it the easy way, they don't understand her journey as everyone's beauty is unique and what matters is one showcasing their intellectual capabilities and working hard as well as diligently.

Waithera Imani posing for a photo on March 4, 2024. /INSTAGRAM.CERA IMANI