Image of Death and Funeral announcement published in a local daily newspaper
By Anchor Writers
Barely hours after the burial of her former stepson, sorrow has once again visited the family of former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama.
Joyce Nzisa Mwongela, Muthama’s former wife and the mother of five of his daughters, died on February 16 at her residence in Woodley Estate, Nairobi.
Her death came just hours after the burial of Moses Muthama — the only son born to Muthama and Senator Agnes Kavindu — compounding what has been an extraordinarily painful season for the family.
Nzisa will be laid to rest on February 27 at her parents’ home in Kilome, Makueni County.
A Family in Mourning
Nzisa was the mother of five daughters with Muthama. The family has already endured another recent loss: one of their daughters, Janet, died last year and was buried at the family grave site in Tala, Machakos County.
That is the same resting place where Moses was laid to rest, alongside Muthama’s father, Muthama Kimomo.
Her burial in Kilome, at her parents’ home, marks a departure from the Tala family grave site — a quiet but poignant reminder of the complex personal histories that defined her life and relationships.
Final Public Appearance
Friends and acquaintances say Nzisa was last seen publicly about a week ago when she visited Senator Kavindu’s home in Mua to offer condolences following Moses’ death.
The visit was described as calm and dignified — a gesture of shared grief despite the complicated family dynamics that had unfolded over the years.
Moses was the only son Muthama had with Kavindu. The two had recently divorced in circumstances that were widely described as acrimonious.
The loss of Moses shook the political and business circles in Machakos and beyond, drawing leaders and mourners from across the country.
That Nzisa’s own death followed so closely after the burial has left many in disbelief.
A Turbulent Past
Nzisa and Muthama had divorced years earlier after a widely reported knife attack incident involving the former couple.
Following the separation, Nzisa kept a largely low public profile and had been living in Woodley Estate.
Her death now adds another chapter to a family story marked by public prominence, private turmoil, and profound loss.
As preparations for her burial in Kilome continue, attention turns not only to the ceremony itself but to the human weight of grief carried by her daughters — who have lost a sister a step brother, and now their mother in quick succession.
For the Muthama family and those close to them, February will remain a month etched in sorrow.
