Joyce Nthiga grew up in a broken home after her parents separated. She and her two sisters moved to their grandmother’s house in Mbeere, Embu, where life was difficult. Joyce dropped out of school early so she could care for her siblings.
She later found work in Nairobi as a housemaid. With her small income, she supported her sisters’ education while saving enough to return to school herself. During this time, she met Gordon, a truck driver, and they started a relationship. When Joyce became pregnant, Gordon abandoned her.
After she gave birth, Gordon returned and moved in with her. Together they had another child. Joyce, meanwhile, worked tirelessly to grow her income. She built a business, launched an NGO called Child Voice, and even sold her arts and crafts in Dubai. She bought land, cattle, and built a family home, though she registered everything under Gordon’s name.
Joyce also shouldered the household responsibilities, paying hospital bills, rent, and other expenses. She even funded her own wedding, later admitting that she felt lonely because she carried the financial burden alone.
Bitter Betrayal
Trouble began before the wedding when Gordon and his mother pulled out of plans to formally ask for her hand. They claimed they did not want to face her mother, but Joyce went ahead with the ceremony, hoping things would improve.
Instead, matters grew worse. On December 26, 2017, when Joyce visited their home in Embu, Gordon, his mother, and his sister attacked her, accusing her of trying to steal property. She reported the matter to the police, but officers said she had no claim since all the assets were under Gordon’s name.
After the heartbreak, Joyce chose to start afresh. She rented her own house, rebuilt her business step by step, and focused on her NGO. Although she lost much, she says she has not lost her strength. Today, she continues to provide for her children and inspire others through her resilience.
