Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner and former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama’s ex-wife, Joyce Nzisa Mwongela, is set to be buried at her parents’ home in Kilome, Kilungu, Makueni County. Nzisa passed away on February 16, 2026, following a long illness, and the family has confirmed that the burial will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026. Her passing has deeply affected family, friends, and the wider community, given her role as a mother, grandmother, and valued member of her extended family.
Nzisa shared five daughters with Muthama: Naomi Muthama, Alice Muthama, the late Janet Muthama, Margaret Muthama, and Patricia Muthama. She was also a devoted grandmother to Ayden Nduya, Sophie-Anne Mbesa, Melissa Nzisa, Olivia-Rose Kathule, Zachary Nduya, Ella Atieno, and Etta Nzisa. Her family describes her as a loving and nurturing parent and grandparent who always prioritized the well-being of her children and grandchildren.
The timing of her death comes just a week after Muthama and his other ex-wife, now Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, buried their son, the late Moses Muthama Nduya. He was laid to rest at his father’s home in Tala, Kangundo Sub-county. The family has endured significant grief in recent weeks, losing two loved ones in quick succession, which has been a trying time for both immediate and extended family members.
Nzisa was the cherished daughter of the late George Zakayo Mwongela and the late Mary Alice Nthoki Mwongela. She grew up in a loving family environment and maintained close relationships with her siblings, including Connie Mbithe Muia, Mary Mudachi, Leila Monica Ndunge Jaffer, Ngala Mwendwa Mwongela, and the late Jane Mukulu Mwongela and Patrick Mutua Mwongela. She was sister-in-law to the late Dr. Tom Kyendo, the late Edwin Mudachi, the late Jaffer Hilal, and Christine Mwendwa. Family members have described her as someone who valued relationships, often serving as a connector within her extended family both in Kenya and abroad.
Friends and extended family have shared fond memories of Nzisa’s warmth and generosity. She was known to be a treasured aunt and cousin, offering guidance and support whenever needed. Her presence at family gatherings was always welcomed, and she leaves behind a legacy of care, love, and devotion to her family and community.
In the days leading to her burial, family and friends have gathered for meetings to organize the funeral arrangements. The first of these meetings took place on Friday, February 20, followed by additional meetings scheduled for Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24, at her residence in Woodley. The gatherings have allowed family members and close friends to pay their respects and plan a fitting farewell for Nzisa.
Nzisa had previously made headlines in 2021 due to a public dispute involving her daughter and Senator Agnes Kavindu, who was vying for the Machakos senatorial seat at the time. She alleged that one of her daughters had been paid to disparage Kavindu, drawing significant media attention. The matter highlighted the complexities of family and political relationships in the public eye.
In 2020, Nzisa also lost a legal battle in which she sought to reside in Muthama’s Mua home following a protracted dispute over property ownership. The Court of Appeal ruled against her, noting that proceedings between Nzisa and Muthama, which began in 1992 and concluded in 2015, “cannot continue hanging over Muthama’s head like the sword of Damocles.” Lady Justice Wanjiru Karanja emphasized that litigation must come to an end and dismissed Nzisa’s application to file an out-of-time appeal. The ruling also noted that Nzisa had not provided medical documentation to support claims of hospitalization following a June 2015 High Court ruling.
The court’s decision followed months after Muthama’s other ex-wife, Kavindu, unsuccessfully sought a stake in his home in Mua, Machakos County. Court documents indicate that Nzisa had claimed various properties acquired during her marriage to Muthama, including real estate, company shares, a gemstones business, and vehicles. Muthama maintained that Nzisa had voluntarily participated in drafting the settlement agreement and had benefited from it for over two decades.
Nzisa and Muthama’s marriage ended in divorce after a long and complex legal history. Muthama filed for divorce in 1991, and Nzisa filed a cross-petition seeking dissolution of the marriage. In November 1992, the couple signed a memorandum of settlement intended to resolve property and marital disputes. Nzisa withdrew her divorce case and relinquished claims to certain properties, including their matrimonial home in Lavington and another in Runda. This agreement was filed in court on December 2, 1992, effectively settling the matter at that time.
In 2014, Nzisa returned to the High Court seeking to amend the settlement. She argued that the children were minors when transfer documents for two additional properties were signed and contended that the settlement did not adequately address her claims. Muthama countered that she had voluntarily participated in drafting the agreement and benefited from it for decades. On July 9, 2015, the court ruled in favor of Muthama, holding that the matter had been settled by agreement between the parties.
Despite the legal disputes, Nzisa maintained her dignity and continued to care for her family. She remained actively involved in her daughters’ lives and took pride in her grandchildren. Friends and relatives remember her for her resilience, strong family values, and commitment to her loved ones.
Nzisa’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in a family that has been in the public eye for decades. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her funeral arrangements reflect her deep connections with family and the broader community, bringing together relatives and friends to honor her life and legacy.
As the family prepares for her burial on February 27, 2026, tributes continue to pour in from those who knew her personally and professionally. Her life was marked by love, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to her family, leaving a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come.
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