Wanuri Kahiu on 21 Years of Vegetarianism, Her Doctor Husband and Why She Doesn’t Follow Religion

Acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu has shared rare and personal insights into her life, revealing her views on religion, her marriage to a doctor, and her 21-year journey as a vegetarian. 

In a candid interview, the award-winning director of Rafiki and From a Whisper spoke openly about the beliefs and choices that shape her everyday life. Kahiu, known for her bold storytelling and creative vision, described herself as a naturalist at heart, even though she is married to a medical doctor.

She shared that her husband often recommends conventional medicine, but her instinct always leads her to seek natural alternatives. She said, “Whenever my husband would be like we should take medicine I would be like what’s the equivalent in nature.“

When it came to religion, Kahiu reflected on her upbringing and how it shaped her current beliefs. She said, “I am not sure how I would describe myself in religion. Growing up religion and guilt was intertwined.” She made it clear that while she does not follow organised religion, her belief in God remains strong. She explained, “My believe in God remains but not necessarily through religion.”

The filmmaker also opened up about her commitment to vegetarianism, which she has practiced for 21 years. She traced the origins of this lifestyle to a meditation practice that encouraged reducing one’s karmic load through diet. “I started a meditation is spiritual practice that suggested reducing karmic load through what you eat. That has stayed with me. Everything has a vibration.” 

She added that her household is vegetarian, but she does not impose her choices on her husband. She said with a smile, “We are a vegetarian household but over the week my husband does Nyama choma outside.”

Kahiu also reflected on how she has often been perceived by others, saying, “I have been described as a hippie in so many ways growing up. So of the schools I have put my children were considered very hippie.”