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In 2019, radio presenter Alex Mwakideu made a significant life change by quitting alcohol, a move that many speculated was influenced by his marriage. However, Mwakideu recently revealed a different and more personal reason behind his decision.
In an interview with Obinna, Mwakideu shared that his decision to quit drinking came about after a particularly harrowing experience. He recounted a night where he had indulged heavily in alcohol, leading to a situation that almost jeopardized an important event. The incident in question occurred on the eve of a significant occasion when he was supposed to accompany his friend Jalang’o to meet his in-laws for an introduction ceremony.
“I quit drinking in 2019,” Mwakideu began. “It was during the time we were taking Jalang’o for the introduction of his wife. I had consumed a lot of alcohol the previous night and, frankly, it led to me blacking out.” He explained that he had been monitoring his drinking habits by not sharing alcohol with others and was generally not an extreme drinker, but that night was different.
Mwakideu detailed how he overslept and woke up late the next day, well past the time of the event. “I woke up at noon, and when I checked the WhatsApp group, everyone was already at the event and well-dressed,” he said. The situation forced him to rush to the venue, where he was the designated speaker on behalf of their group of friends. His tardiness and condition were a wake-up call for him.
After the event, which he attended in a less-than-ideal state, Mwakideu made a firm decision regarding his drinking habits. “When we all gathered after the event, everyone took out their alcohol. I also took mine out, looked at it, and realized that I was done with alcohol,” he reflected. It was in that moment of clarity that he resolved to quit drinking altogether.
He emphasized that his decision was not a result of any external pressures or marital issues. “I want to clarify that I was neither fired from my job nor did I have problems with my marriage due to alcohol. It was purely a personal decision,” he said.
Since quitting alcohol, Mwakideu has taken up a new hobby: smoking cigars. He explained that smoking cigars has become part of his lifestyle, noting that different cigars can complement various beverages like whiskey, wine, and coffee. “I enjoy cigars, particularly coffee cigars because I love coffee,” he added. Mwakideu described smoking cigars as a refined pleasure, appreciating it for its association with a more sophisticated, leisurely lifestyle compared to his previous drinking habits.
Mwakideu’s journey reflects a significant transformation in his life, driven by a personal realization rather than external factors. His shift from heavy drinking to enjoying cigars illustrates a change in his approach to relaxation and social activities, aligning with his current lifestyle and interests.