Joy Karambu, popularly known as Kawira from the hit TV series Papa Shirandula, remains one of Kenya’s most memorable comedy actresses. Her role as the cheeky Gakoromone schoolgirl cemented her place in the hearts of many. But away from the screen, Kawira is also a trained journalist, DJ, and actress with a life story that goes beyond what fans saw on TV.
Born and raised in Timau, Meru County, Kawira grew up as the last-born in a family of three girls. Despite being the “baby” of the family, she recalls her childhood as anything but pampered. With a 10-year gap between her and her immediate sister, she often sought adventure outside the home.
“I could run away from home to play with other kids. I climbed trees, jumped into rivers, rolled tyres, and played football. I basically did a lot of boy stuff,” she once shared.
Life After Marriage
Kawira stepped away from the limelight for a while, especially after announcing the end of her marriage in 2022. She later revealed that she had separated from her husband two years earlier, officially walking away on June 16, 2020, at exactly 4 p.m.—a detail she remembers vividly.
“I said it is a wrap, I quit. When you see you don’t know where the relationship is heading, you go your separate ways for peace of mind,” she said in an interview with Hiram Maina.
She admitted it was not easy to leave a six-year marriage but explained that keeping the breakup private allowed her the space and time she needed to heal.
“It will take some time. Six years in the game can’t just go like that. But sometimes, for your own peace, you have to let go.”
Return to the Stage
In May 2023, during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Kawira made a remarkable return, performing in a skit with the Vitimbi crew. The appearance excited fans who had missed her vibrant energy on stage.
Still, questions linger on social media about her next steps. On X (formerly Twitter), one user posted her picture with the caption: “Huyu alienda wapi?” (Where did she go?).
A Word of Advice
Reflecting on her journey, Kawira offered advice to anyone considering marriage: take time to truly know your partner. Her story, marked by both laughter and heartbreak, is a reminder that peace of mind is worth more than holding onto a relationship that no longer works.
