Ben Mutua Jonathan Muriithi

BMJ (Ben Mutua Jonathan) Muriithi (born Jonathan Nyaga; 4 May 1969) is a Kenyan journalist, actor, and media personality known for his contributions to print, radio, and television.

Biography
BMJ Muriithi was born on May 4, 1969, in the village of Kanyuambora, located within Kenya's Embu district in the Eastern province. His upbringing in a modest family environment instilled in him a sense of determination and resilience that would later define his pursuits.

Early life and education
From an early age, Muriithi became interested in acting, initially within his village church alongside his brother, Stephen Njagi Kironji. His academic journey led him to Kangaru School in Embu, where he completed his studies in 1986. Subsequently, Muriithi pursued further education, attending a private institution in Thika, Kenya. During this time, he embarked on a transformative role as the Chairperson of the YMCA Drama Club and later assumed leadership responsibilities in the Youth Department at the Thika YMCA branch.

In 1990, Muriithi undertook training as a registration assistant at the Kenya Institute of Surveying and Mapping (KISM) in Ruaraka. This paved the way for a notable career with the Kenyan government in the Lands Department at the Eastern Provincial Headquarters in Embu. He continued acting with his involvement in the newly established Mt Kenya Theatrix Drama Group, a venture supported by the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Artistic contributions
Muriithi's artistic journey took him across Kenya, where he played a pivotal role in sensitizing communities about the critical issue of HIV/AIDS through compelling community theater initiatives. His dedication to arts and culture led to his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Mt. Kenya Theatrix Club in 1995. Throughout the mid-90s, Muriithi's presence resonated on Kenyan radio, television, and stage, as he participated in noteworthy productions that included the works of renowned playwrights such as Athol Fugard, Joseph Murungu, and Francis Imbuga.

Notably, Muriithi was a prominent figure in the Kenyan media landscape, serving as a presenter and producer for various programs. He presented the arts segment of Kenya Beat, a radio program that showcased artistic activities and contributed to the national schools and colleges drama festivals. His involvement extended to the Professional Centre near the Kenya National Assembly, a hub for prolific thespians, and the Phoenix Players theater group.

Global pursuits
In 2002, Muriithi embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Georgia, United States. There, he pursued higher education, enrolling at Atlanta Metropolitan College to study Mass Communication and International Relations. His academic endeavors were complemented by his roles as a correspondent, editor, and reporter for esteemed media outlets such as the Kenya Empowerment Newspaper and Mshale Newspaper. Muriithi's contributions extended beyond borders, with his article "An Africa to-do list for Obama" being published in prestigious publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Washington Post.

Social and political engagement
Muriithi's involvement in activism emerged during the early 1990s, as he collaborated with fellow thespians and activists to safeguard the Kenya National Theatre from potential sale to a neighboring hotel. His principled stance was also evident in his declination of a newscaster position with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation due to concerns about media impartiality. Throughout his career, Muriithi voiced critical perspectives on political figures, expressing opinions on governance and addressing issues of nepotism and corruption.

Personal life
Outside of his professional pursuits, Muriithi maintains a meaningful personal life. He is married to Edith Muriithi, a dedicated medical assistant and a student at Georgia State University. His daughter, Carole Wawira Muriithi, has pursued education and career opportunities across various countries, demonstrating the family's global connections and aspirations. Notably, Muriithi's former wife, Fiona Clare, contributes to the efforts of CARE International, a prominent relief agency.