Senator Joy Gwendo: Why I love this married man

Just who is Senator Joy Adhiambo Gwendo?

I am a third born in a family of five and a mother of one. A journalist by profession and passionate about the arts. A devoted Christian and a very simple Kenyan from a humble background. I lost my father in 1998 and he died wanting me to be a lawyer. Am courageous, fearless but gentle and very generous.

The closest people in life are my family. We even have a social media group to air our views and critique each other….nothing is as priceless as family.

What is the difference between Senator Joy Gwendo and Jaber Nyar Henry (daughter of Henry)?

My dad is Henry Gwendo and most of my close friends call me Nyar Henry thus the Facebook account which I have had for many years. And that’s me... I even used this account to campaign for my president, Uhuru Kenyata, despite the insults I got. After my entry into politics, I created the Senator Joy Page to communicate with everybody else who wasn’t my friend on Jaber Nyar Henry as I had reached the maximum 5,000 limit before my nomination. So, basically, it’s the same person just different names for accommodation of friends and fans.

It is said that you were dating a young man and dumped him for Thomas Mbewa, what is the truth about this?

You are talking about Christopher Abuor also known as OJ. This is a very good friend of mine to date. I met him while living in Kibera, he was then part of a Kibera-based CBO (Community-Based Organisation) promoting peace though value based sports (Amani Kibera) I helped them get media coverage and also sponsored three teams in their peace tournament. We became close but never dated as I was dating Thomas Mbewa at the time.

OJ is the secretary general of my organisation, Kivuli Development Initiative (www.kivulidevelopmentinitiative.org) and at the initial stages of the organisation we spent a lot of time together and everybody assumed we were dating but I let it be so, coz my social life is private.

So later when there was so much talk about my relationship, I decided to just keep quiet, as I am also a human being with feelings, friends and family.

Who is Thomas Mbewa and why did you settle on him? And is it true that you are going to settle for a second wife?

Thomas Mbewa is my best friend; and my business partner I have known him for eight years and dated him for four years. We have several companies together and also share many friends. It’s every woman’s wish to spend their lives with friends who understand them, and am no exception, factors and positions notwithstanding.

Before Mbewa did you have a thing with Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko?

HELL NO! Sonko is a colleague and that’s it!

What are your thoughts on the marriage law? Do you think the husband should overlook the first wife when adding another?

It’s unfortunate that the media focused on one point only — spousal consent. There is so much more to that Bill, I just wish Kenyans could obtain a copy from the Government printers and understand it.

Nevertheless, I think it’s only decent and respectful enough to inform your first wife of your plans because with our African socialisation, it’s the first wife to lead the delegation to the second wife’s home, but things have changed. I believe life is made easier when people respect each other’s boundaries.

People perceive you to be a party girl despite attaining your new status as a Senator. What is your take on this?

Who is a party girl? And does being Senator make you a small god? I have not changed much neither have I changed my friends, so if a friend calls me to meet them in a pub or restaurant, I will go and if that terms me a party girl, then so be it.

I am a legislator but still a friend and a sister at any time and place.

How was the experience spending in the cold cells and are you going on with your sensitisation of road safety on your Facebook page?

This was my first time in a cell or on the wrong side of the law. I was pained for a second how Kenyans took it, thus my decision to dedicate my Facebook status for a month to this sensitization.

I learned a lot though, I listened to women lament about their issues and I wish I could help but am no counselor and I did not want them to know who I was. All in all now I know what people feel to be in a smelly cell and I can defend this plight with experience I have.

What do not people know about you?

I have been writing for The Seed (a Catholic publication) for the last five years. I eat in vibandaz (shacks) and also board matatus most times. I drive myself, and despite my position I haven’t changed much.

Photo: Courtesy