Josephine Kinuche, a former nanny to Kenya’s celebrated content creators Diana Marua and Bahati, recently opened up about a deeply personal and emotional chapter of her life during a fan Q&A session. Having worked with the family for four years, Josephine shared her story, which highlighted not only her bond with the Bahati family but also the resilience she displayed in the face of personal tragedy.
The heart-wrenching narrative began in March 2023, when Josephine received a distressing call from her sister, Eliza. On March 7, Eliza informed Josephine that their mother had been hospitalized, prompting her to rush to the hospital to assess the situation. However, the demands of her job required her to return to the Bahati residence shortly after.
A few days later, Josephine’s sister called again, this time with an urgent plea. Their ailing mother had requested to see Josephine. At that time, Diana and Bahati were abroad in Dubai, yet they exhibited remarkable empathy and understanding. When Josephine sought permission to take time off, the couple immediately supported her decision, prioritizing her family’s needs over work.
In a poignant moment, Josephine recounted her final interactions with her mother, which included a heartfelt conversation involving Bahati. Her mother, despite being on her deathbed, expressed gratitude toward the artist. “My mum said, ‘This young man is kind-hearted. I have seen him for the first time on my deathbed. I wish I could have met him earlier,’” Josephine tearfully shared. Diana, who has her own history of coping with the loss of a mother, provided emotional support during this difficult time through audio calls.
Josephine recalled the painful details of her mother’s passing. She and her sister alternated between staying by their mother’s side at the hospital. Tragically, while Josephine briefly stepped away one day, Eliza called her in tears to inform her of their mother’s death. “It still feels like it happened just yesterday. That process was so painful,” she said, visibly emotional.
A Luhya from Western Kenya and a trained teacher by profession, Josephine had dedicated herself to her role with the Bahati family, becoming an integral part of their household. However, after her mother’s passing, Josephine began to reassess her priorities and life goals. Recently, she made the decision to part ways with the family to focus on her personal aspirations and professional growth.
Despite leaving her role as a nanny, Josephine emphasized that her relationship with the Bahati family remains amicable. Her time with them was marked not just by her professional dedication but also by the genuine compassion and support she received during her darkest moments.
Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional struggles faced by domestic workers, who balance the demands of their jobs with personal hardships. Josephine’s resilience and ability to navigate her grief while maintaining a positive relationship with her former employers is a testament to her strength and character.
For Josephine, the journey continues. While her time with the Bahati family has come to an end, her story serves as an inspiring example of how understanding and kindness can make a difference in someone’s life, especially during their most vulnerable moments.
