Philip Karanja to wife Cate Actress after mocking him toothpick

Kenyan filmmaker Philip Karanja has broken his silence following renewed claims that he failed to meet the expectations of his ex-wife, Cate Actress.

Speaking candidly, Karanja said their marriage had become “emotionally draining” and that walking away was necessary for his mental well-being.

“Staying would have pushed me into depression,” he said. “It was better to end things peacefully.”

Karanja described Cate Actress as a strong-willed woman who often refused to submit to any man — something he said made their union difficult.

“Huyo ni mwanamke sumbua haskizi mwanaume hata kidogo,” he said, adding that he felt powerless in the relationship.

He also took a swipe at her recent remarks mocking him, saying:

“Sasa anasema mimi ni toothpick. Hata kama ni ndogo, ilikunyambisha mtoto mama,” a remark that has since gone viral online.

Karanja revealed that he chose to prioritise his peace after enduring repeated emotional strain. He hinted that some of Cate Actress’s past actions had disturbed him, suggesting there were “spiritual” struggles in their marriage.

“Sometimes people carry energies that you can’t fight spiritually or emotionally. You just walk away.”

Cate Actress, whose real name is Catherine Kamau, previously confirmed their separation but emphasised that it had been handled privately and respectfully.

“We are no longer together, but we still hold respect for each other,” she wrote at the time.

Fans have reacted strongly to Karanja’s latest remarks, with some sympathising with his emotional struggle, while others felt his comments were unnecessary.

The former celebrity couple, once admired for their joint success in the Kenyan entertainment industry, continue to live separate lives, both focusing on their individual careers and parenting their child.