#MyKenyanHero by Karen Wandia

My aunt’s name – Mwendwa – translates to one who is loved in the Meru language. And in my family, she is not only loved but is known to embody the qualities of love. In thinking of these qualities, the definition of love in the bible comes to mind. Purity Mwendwa is patient, and kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonour others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. 

Under my Aunt’s Wing

I first came to know of these qualities when I was 10 years old. Responsibilities abroad had split my family across different countries, but in this separation, my Aunty Mwe stepped in willingly. As my parents tended to a young family through the fog of busy schedules and time differences, my aunt’s support was more than welcome. Whoever said that raising children requires a village hit the nail right on the head. 

My memories from that time include my aunt helping me pack for long stints at boarding school and the tempting aroma of her award-worthy chapatis wafting through the house every Friday like clockwork. She gently guided me as I entered the moody, turbulent waves of adolescence and tempered the indefatigable energy of my sprightly younger brother.  

Aunty Mwe had a habit of explaining anything she did around the home and why it was important. She preached the gospel of organisation not for its own sake but – as she explained – because it made it easier to tackle life’s other challenges. She encouraged me to approach life with energy and discipline. And she led by example. After all, my aunt is a woman of her word who never fails to achieve what she sets out to do.  

When she set fitness goals, Aunty Mwe would jump out of bed like a lightning bolt on chilly mornings when one would not be blamed for simply sleeping in. Through sweat and sheer determination, she met her goals, leaving many in awe of her seeming immunity to procrastination. When she made the decision to go back to school for her degree, it was when her journey in motherhood was in full swing. Still, the balancing act proved to be worth it, and she graduated.  

An Ordered Life

Her personal goals are not the only aspect where my aunt’s go big or go home mentality shine. Aunty Mwe believes in living for the moment. She has more photos on her phone than anyone I know. Capturing memories and celebrating wins are a core part of who she is, and, in her orbit, nothing passes without acknowledgement. She throws parties with precision – researching venues diligently and ensuring no one shows up with a summer dress when she specifically asked for gowns. Though strict on dress codes, she is also a peacemaker. A quarrel with her never lasts long and she values harmony over discord. All this is borne of her zeal for life and family. 

In my adulthood, my aunt’s wisdom still guides me. She has become more like an older sister – challenging me to actualise my dreams and keeping me accountable for them. I see her influence on my life in small things like the way I fold my hoodies and in big things like my vision for my future. Her consistent presence, propensity for eating life with a big spoon, and modelling a life with discipline at its foundation make her #MyKenyanHero.

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This story was shared by Karen, one of the writers at Paukwa. She finds magic in quiet corners of libraries and draws inspiration from little-known stories that inspire and educate.