Kalekye Mumo reveals surprising part of film role that tested her the most
By Paulette Mboga, July 14, 2026Media personality Kalekye Mumo has shared what she found most challenging while working on the film Film Tides.
Although she played a paediatric surgeon in the production, she said the medical role was not the hardest part. Instead, acting in Swahili turned out to be the biggest test for her.
Kalekye explained that the role gave her a chance to step into the world of film as a supporting actor. She said the experience pushed her in a different direction from the work many people already know her for. It also gave her a chance to learn something new.
“There are roles that come naturally… and then there are roles that challenge you in all the right ways,” Kalekye Mumo said on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
She went on to explain that she joined the film last year and took on the role of a paediatric surgeon. While the character itself was different from her usual work, she said another part of the role demanded even more from her during filming.
“The interesting part? It wasn’t the medical role that stretched me most,” Kalekye Mumo explained.
The language challenge
Kalekye said the biggest challenge was acting in Swahili. She explained that most people know her through her work in English, where she has built her career as a host, moderator, coach and storyteller. Taking on a Swahili acting role meant stepping outside her everyday routine.
“It was acting in Swahili,” Kalekye Mumo said.
She added that the role pushed her to trust herself in a new way. She said the experience also taught her to accept being uncomfortable because that is sometimes part of personal growth. According to Kalekye, saying yes to the opportunity became one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
“Most people know me for my work in English — hosting, moderating, coaching and storytelling through the language I use every day. But this role asked me to lean into something different, to trust myself differently and to embrace the discomfort that comes with growth,” Kalekye Mumo said.
Kalekye said she is happy she accepted the role despite the challenge. She also expressed excitement about the film and the work that went into making it with the rest of the cast and crew.
“And honestly? I’m so glad I said yes,” Kalekye Mumo said.
“I can’t wait for you to experience this beautiful story brought to life by an incredible cast and crew,” she added.