Terence Creative narrates how ghetto life exposed him to drugs, alcohol at an early age

Comedian Lawrence Macharia, popularly known as Terence Creative, has opened up about his difficult childhood in Mathare, revealing that he was exposed to crime, drugs, and harsh realities at a very young age, including starting to smoke at just nine years old.

Speaking about his upbringing during an interview on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Terence described Mathare as an environment where crime was part of everyday life and survival often depended on adapting quickly.

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“Mathare si mtaa tu, ilikuwa kama crime scene,” he said, recalling how drug dealing, theft, and violence were a normal part of daily life.

He explained that growing up in the slums came with constant suspicion, regardless of one’s age or intentions.

“Ukikaa slum, anakaa tu suspect,” Terence noted, adding that the environment shaped how children viewed themselves and the world around them.

Starting to smoke at nine

Terence revealed that he was introduced to cigarettes and alcohol while still in primary school, saying exposure to substances like chang’aa was common among children in the area.

“Mimi nilianza kuvuta sigara nikiwa na miaka tisa,” he said, noting that for many children around him, this was considered normal.

He added that some children were exposed even earlier.

“Kuna wenye walianza na miaka tano ama sita uko exposed kwa vitu mingi,” he explained.

Crime, mob justice, and survival

Despite the harsh surroundings, Terence credits his grandmother for protecting him from falling deeper into crime.

“Shosho yangu ndiye aliniprotect sana,” he said, explaining that her guidance helped keep him away from theft and gang involvement.

He said that while some of his siblings and neighbours were caught up in mob justice incidents and criminal activity, his grandmother played a key role in shielding him and keeping him away from theft and gang involvement.

Instead, Terence said he survived through begging and odd errands, managing to stay out of serious trouble even as temptation surrounded him.

He also reflected on how prolonged exposure led him to smoke for many years before eventually quitting after 22 years, a decision he says marked a major turning point in his life.