The Lola Hannigan Dynasty: From Runway Royalty to High-Society Matriarch

The Lola Hannigan Dynasty: From Runway Royalty to High-Society Matriarch

Lola Hannigan has long been a fixture of the Kenyan luxury landscape, but 2025 marked her definitive transition from a media star to a pillar of one of East Africa’s most powerful families. A dual citizen of Kenya and Germany, Lola’s life is a masterclass in blending European precision with African vibrant entrepreneurship.

The Zefyros Empire: A Fashion Odyssey

Lola’s fashion career is defined by Zefyros by Lola, a brand launched in 2017 that brought a fresh, high-fashion perspective to resort wear in Nairobi.

• The Collections: Inspired by the “movement of water,” her collections are celebrated for their fluidity and bold palettes. While she rose to fame with premium swimwear, Zefyros has expanded into luxury jewelry, artisanal footwear, and bespoke handbags.

• The Flagship: Her retail sanctuary at Marsabit Plaza serves as a hub for Nairobi’s elite, offering a curated experience that she describes as “classy, bold, and beautiful.”

• Runway Heritage: Her transition to design was seamless, built on a foundation of years as a commercial model, most notably headlining the Strut It Africa runway in 2012.

A Family Built on Influence: Father, Mother, and Siblings

Lola’s “gene pool” and family support system have been pivotal to her success. She was born to a German father and a Kenyan mother, a heritage that she credits for her global outlook.

• Irene Hannigan (The Matriarch): Lola’s mother, Irene, is more than just a parent; she has been the primary architect of Lola’s support system. Often described as a “style icon” in her own right, Irene has been the one to publicly celebrate Lola’s milestones—from the birth of her children to her business launches. She famously announced Lola’s first transition into motherhood, calling her daughter her “best friend and forever love.”

• The Father & Siblings: While Lola’s father and siblings maintain a much lower public profile than the media-facing Hannigan women, the family is known for its tight-knit nature. Her father’s German roots provided a bridge to her European citizenship, and while her siblings largely avoid the limelight, the Hannigan family is frequently seen together at exclusive Nairobi social gatherings, supporting Lola’s various business ventures.

The Gecaga Union: A New Chapter in Power

In a move that captivated the nation, Lola finalized her long-term relationship with Jomo Gecaga—the former Personal Secretary and nephew to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta—in an exclusive ceremony on December 26, 2025.

• The Wedding: The “Boxing Day” nuptials were a summit of Kenya’s political and social “Old Guard,” attended by the Kenyatta family, signifying Lola’s official entry into the Kenyatta-Gecaga dynasty.

• Children and Legacy: Lola and Jomo are parents to three children. Their first daughter was born in April 2019, followed by two more children, the youngest of whom was born in late 2025 just weeks before their formal wedding.

The Lifestyle: Private Luxury

Despite her media beginnings at KTN and Ebru TV, Lola’s current lifestyle is one of discreet opulence. She has successfully pivoted from being a “TV Girl” to a sophisticated entrepreneur and mother. Her life now balances the management of her fashion empire with the responsibilities of her high-profile marriage, often seen at the most exclusive events in Nairobi and Mombasa, yet sharing only curated glimpses of her world on social media.

Lola Hannigan remains a symbol of the “New Kenya”—multicultural, business-savvy, and effortlessly navigating the corridors of power and style.

Content courtesy of NFH Digital Team