Joy Furaha Karambu, popularly known by her stage name Kawira, is a Kenyan actress, comedian, journalist, and former DJ who gained widespread recognition for her memorable role in the long-running Citizen TV comedy series Papa Shirandula.
Her portrayal of Kawira—a naïve, mischievous high school girl from Meru, characterized by a thick, exaggerated Meru accent and short-cropped hair—endeared her to audiences across the country. Her comedic timing, combined with the ability to blend innocence with cheeky humor, earned her a lasting place in Kenyan entertainment.
Recently, Kawira opened up publicly about her failed marriage. In a YouTube interview with Hiram Maina, she disclosed that she had separated from her husband, Ephantus Wahome, two years ago. The couple, who married in 2014, were together for approximately six years.
“I said it is a wrap, I quit. When you see you don’t know where the relationship is heading to, you say for the sake of your own peace and that of the other person, you go your separate ways,” Kawira explained. She noted that although both parties tried to make the marriage work, they eventually accepted that they were not meant to be together.
Peace, she emphasized, was her primary motivation for ending the relationship. “I left on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 4 pm. I still remember the date and time—that’s a woman for you,” she stated, reflecting on the significance of the decision and the finality of walking away.
While Kawira occasionally interacts with her fans on social media, she has largely maintained a low online profile, with no active X/Twitter account directly linked to her. Her last notable engagement was reassuring fans of her well-being.
Despite her personal challenges, Kawira remains an influential figure in Kenyan entertainment, celebrated not only for her comedic talent but also for her candidness and resilience in sharing personal experiences with the public.
