Veteran Kenyan socialite Vera Sidika has appealed to the actor and comedian Steven Oduor popularly known as DJ Shiti to teach her her native language.
In a series of posts on her instastories, Vera said that she genuinely wants to learn how to speak Luhya this year noting that she understands the language but can not verbalize.
She went on to attribute her lack of knowledge in talking in Luhya to speaking English while growing up since her mother was a High School literature teacher adding that she is very eloquent and has a mastery of the King’s language even though she was born and bred in Mombasa county.
“I genuinely wanna learn how to speak Luhya btw. Ata si ati kujifanya. DJ Shiti help a sis, I understand 100% Luhya. But can not speak it when I try I sound like a clown. I’m gonna learn Luhya this year.
“Btw what’s funny is. Growing up we used to speak English a lot in our house My mom used to teach English literature in High school back in the late 80s and early 90s So I grew up speaking English Sana. Her diction is crazy!! That’s why I’m very eloquent even though I was born & bred in Mombasa,” Vera said on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Vera’s upbringing
The mother of two went on to narrate that she spent her entire childhood in Mombasa until 2009 when relocated to Nairobi, joined Kenyatta University and has been living in the capital city since then.
“For the curious cats: I was born & bred in Mombasa. Went to M.M Shah primary. Then class 7&8 went to boarding school in western Moses Mudavadi Primary- Mululu Coz my parents wanted me to learn the culture & be independent. High school went to day school; star of the Sea Mombasa Then moved to Nairobi in 2009 to join Kenyatta University. And been here since,” Vera said.
The socialite further disclosed that her paternal grandfather and her parents are still living in Mombasa adding that some people mistake her for being a Taita but she is a pure luhya.
“My grandpa from dad’s side lived in Mombasa since the 1960s Dad has been living in Mombasa since 1982 Mom since 1989 I was born 30th Sept 1989 My parents still live in Mombasa. For so long some people thought I’m Taita But I’m Luhya 100% both parents. My real name: Vera Sidika Mungasia Shikwekwe is not my name Nickname Kenyans forced on me P’ll tell yall how That nickname started,” she said.
Village life
On Monday, January 6, 2025, Vera, who was enjoying some wholesome village moments in Kakamega county gave her followers a peek into her life in the countryside.
She shared photos of her cooking over a three-stone fireplace. She also fetched water like a pro, carrying a jerrycan on her head up a hill.
Vera also shared that she was happy spending some quality time with her 97-year-old grandmother.
“Shikwekwe the village baddie, is finally in Kakamega. Enjoying life with my amazing 97-year-old grandma. Love her!!! Had to cook Kienyeji for my Cucu.
“By the way, now y’all understand why I love steak so much got it from my Nana,” Vera shared.
