If you spend enough time on Kenyan social media, especially on Nairobi's relationship gossip streets, you’ve probably come across the name Jimal Roho Safi. From matatus to millions, love triangles to luxury rides, this guy’s life feels like a full-time reality show. So, who exactly is Jimal Roho Safi, and why is he always in the headlines? Let’s break it down.
Who is Jimal Roho Safi?
Jimal Roho Safi, whose real name is Jimal Ibrahim Marlow, is a Nairobi-based businessman best known for rising from a matatu tout to becoming the chairman of the Nairobi Matatu Operators Association. He’s also a social media figure, thanks to his flashy lifestyle and dramatic love life that always seems to make it to the blogs.
Jimal’s Background: Humble Beginnings
Jimal was born in a big Muslim family — one of 14 siblings. He grew up in Kajiado and later moved to South C, Nairobi. His mother wanted him to be a pilot and even gave him KSh 400,000 for aviation school. But Jimal had different dreams. Instead of joining aviation school, he used that money to buy his first matatu. Yes, the entire school fees. Risky? Maybe. But for him, it was the beginning of everything.
He started as a conductor (tout), worked hard for two years, and later bought his own matatu. Interestingly, he still worked as a driver for someone else, while his matatu was on the road making him money. He understood the hustle.
Net Worth and Wealth
While there’s no official figure, Jimal once revealed in an interview that he had active loans from three different banks, totaling about KSh 320 million. According to him, this is a sign that he has enough income to sustain those loans. Some estimate his net worth to be over KSh 100 million, based on his business ventures, vehicles, and lifestyle.
That said, his first wife Amira once claimed that he survives on loans and doesn’t have as much as people think. "He is not rich. He lives on debts," she told blogger Edgar Obare. But hey, even billionaires use loans to grow their wealth.
Business Hustle: From Matatus to Millions
When the government introduced the rule that all matatus should be under Saccos, Jimal tried to convince his friends to start one together. They refused. So he started his own — Telaviv Sacco. Slowly, other matatus joined. Each paid him KSh 500 daily. At one point, he had over 60 matatus under him. That’s around KSh 30,000 every day!
This Sacco success helped him rise fast. Later, he became chairman of the Matatu Association, a powerful position he has held for over four years now. He’s also ventured into online business and founded Ajira Chap Chap, a platform to connect job seekers with employers.
He also runs a credit business that helps other PSV owners get loans to buy vehicles. With such ventures, it’s no surprise that he’s collected a fancy car garage worth over KSh 28 million.
Education
Jimal completed high school but didn’t pursue further studies. His plan was to go to aviation school — his mum even gave him the fees — but he chose business over books. The matatu he bought with that money became the foundation of his empire.
Jimal’s Car Collection
If you know Jimal, then you know he loves his rides. He owns:
A 2017 white Range Rover, estimated at over KSh 10 million.
A Land Rover Defender, the latest model with off-road capabilities.
He once gifted his Range Rover to Amber Ray, his then second wife, when she was pregnant and had just broken up with Kennedy Rapudo.
Relationship Rollercoaster
Now, let’s get into the real tea. Jimal's love life has kept netizens entertained for years.
Amira – The First Wife
Jimal met Amira back in high school. They fell in love young and later got married. The couple was blessed with two sons. Amira stood by him when he was broke and struggling in the early days. But things got messy when fame and money came in.
Amber Ray – The Socialite Drama
In late 2020, blogger Edgar Obare exposed Jimal for dating socialite Amber Ray. He later confirmed it, saying Amber was his second wife. This didn’t sit well with Amira, who said she found out through social media. That kicked off an intense online war between Amira and Amber. The insults were public, harsh, and personal.
Jimal, trying to defend himself, said Islam allows up to four wives. He also admitted that Amber changed him and made him focus more on one woman instead of many flings. Still, the drama eventually took its toll, and the marriage to Amber didn’t last.
Wangari – The New Flame Turned Breakup
After Amber, Jimal got into another high-profile relationship — this time with content creator and influencer Michelle Wangari. For a while, they looked like the perfect match. Cute Instagramas, matching outfits, and a baby together. But in true Jimal fashion, things didn’t last.
Recently, they broke up. And in a video that has gone viral, Jimal admitted that he is now in love with Dabijou, a Burundian socialite. Yes, it’s a total plot twist. The streets are talking, let's wait and see.
Family
Jimal keeps his extended family away from the limelight. But from interviews, we know he comes from a big Islamic family and is still close to his siblings and mother. His mum, especially, played a big role in his early dreams.
He’s a father of three — two boys with Amira and a daughter with Wangari.
Tribe and Religion
Jimal is of Somali descent and a practicing Muslim. His religion is a big part of his identity, especially in how he explains his decisions like marrying multiple wives.
Does Jimal Do Wash Wash?
One of the biggest accusations thrown at him is that he’s involved in “wash wash” — the infamous fake money or shady deal business. But he has strongly denied this. He credits his money to hard work, smart saving, and investments.
In one interview, he said, "I started slow, but I saved. I had 60 matatus paying me KSh 500 a day. That was my beginning."
From Broke to Big Boy: Lessons from Jimal
Love him or hate him, one thing about Jimal is that he knows how to hustle. He took a KSh 400k risk and turned it into an empire. Even with all the drama around him, you can't ignore the lessons:
Start with what you have. He didn’t wait to be perfect. He bought an old matatu and worked his way up.
Create systems. His Sacco, Telaviv, made him money even when he wasn’t behind the wheel.
Diversify. From matatus to online platforms and loans, he didn’t put all his eggs in one basket.
Publicity can be a tool. While his drama gives bloggers content, it also keeps his name trending — which can attract more business.
Final Word
Jimal Roho Safi is one of those people who remind you that Nairobi is not for the faint-hearted. He’s risen from a tout to a millionaire, had high-profile breakups, gifted Range Rovers, and still manages to stay relevant.
As of now, he’s fresh out of a breakup with Wangari, who’s now reportedly dating Burundian socialite Dabijou. Will he bounce back with a new flame? Will he focus on business? Or will another scandal land him back on the gossip blogs?
One thing’s for sure — with Jimal Roho Safi, the drama (and inspiration) never ends.
Stay tuned!
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