Purity Kendi, the single mom whose viral private video stirred online buzz, has landed a surprising new role as brand ambassador for Comfort Homes, a rising Kenyan real estate firm. This move exemplifies how a woman’s challenging journey is garnering attention and creating unexpected opportunities.
From the dusty paths of Laare in Meru County, where she raises seven children alone, Kendi’s life took a sharp twist just weeks ago. A leaked private video spread like wildfire across social media, drawing cruel comments and unwanted fame.
But instead of fading into the shadows, Kendi chose to face it head-on. Now, at 32, she stands as a symbol of resilience, partnering with Comfort Homes to share her story of comeback and hope.
The announcement came during a quiet ceremony at the company’s offices in Juja, where Kendi received more than just applause. As part of the deal, she was handed a prime plot worth KSh 600,000 at Juja Farm, a gated community promising secure living for families like hers. On top of that, director Mr John Kariuki presented her with KSh30,000 in cash, a gesture he called a “fresh start fund”.
Kariuki, a soft-spoken businessman with a knack for spotting untapped potential, told reporters, “We all stumble. What matters is getting up. Purity’s story shows that second chances aren’t handouts. They are investments in brighter tomorrows.”
Kendi, dressed in a simple kitenge that echoed her roots, held back tears as she accepted the keys to her new plot. “This isn’t just land for me,” she said, voice steady despite the crowd.
“It’s a home where my kids can dream big, without the weight of yesterday. I’ve faced judgement, but today, I feel seen.”
Her words resonated with many in attendance, including other single mothers who travelled from nearby towns to witness the moment.
Comfort Homes, known for affordable housing in the outskirts of Nairobi, isn’t new to feel-good initiatives. The firm has quietly supported community projects, from youth skills training to women’s cooperatives. But tapping Kendi as their face marks a bold step.
Experts say it taps into Kenya’s growing conversation around digital privacy and redemption arcs. “Brands are shifting,” notes media analyst Jane Wanjiku. “They want real stories, not polished ads. Purity Kendi’s viral rise to brand ambassador fits that perfectly, blending empathy with market savvy.”
For Kendi, the perks go beyond the plot and cash. She will feature in upcoming campaigns, promoting Comfort Homes’ vision of “homes for every hustle”.
Think billboards along Thika Road showing her with her children, laughing in front of a half-built house, with the caption reading, “Build back stronger.”
It’s a narrative that could inspire thousands of Kenyan women navigating similar storms, from online trolls to daily grinds. Yet, not everyone sees it as smooth sailing. Some online voices question if the partnership glamorises vulnerability. “Is this empowerment or exploitation?” one Twitter user posted.
Kendi addressed the doubts directly. “I own my story now. No one’s using me. This is me using the spotlight to lift others.” Her candour has already boosted Comfort Homes’ social media follows by 25 per cent in 48 hours, according to company stats.
Back in Laare, neighbours whisper about Kendi’s luck, but she insists it’s grit. With seven mouths to feed on odd jobs and farm scraps, she once dreamed of stability.
The viral video, born from a moment of weakness, nearly broke her. Counsellors urged her to sue for privacy breach, but Kendi opted for grace.
“Anger doesn’t build houses,” she quipped during the event. Mr Kariuki echoed that philosophy. A father of four himself, he revealed his own brush with failure early in his career. “I lost everything once. A plot like this? It changed my path. Now, we pass it forward.”
Under his lead, Comfort Homes plans more ambassador spots for everyday heroes, targeting single parents and youth entrepreneurs.
As Kenya’s real estate scene heats up, with prices soaring in urban spots, deals like this spotlight affordable options. Juja Farm, with its green spaces and easy access to schools, appeals to folks like Kendi seeking roots without the city chaos.
“It’s not luxury,” Kariuki added. “It’s dignity.” Kendi’s chapter isn’t closed. She eyes starting a small tailoring business on her plot, teaching her daughters the trade. “From the viral video mess to this? God writes wild scripts,” she laughed.
For now, her story reminds us that in Kenya’s fast-paced world, second chances can sprout from the unlikeliest soil. Watch this space, as Purity Kendi’s viral rise to brand ambassador might just redefine home for many.
