The life of former Nominated Senator Joy Gwendo can be best described as a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns. From her sudden rise to political prominence to facing legal battles, Gwendo’s story is one of surprising highs and challenging lows.
In 2013, Gwendo’s political career took an unexpected turn when she was nominated by the TNA party to the Senate. Her nomination was a surprise to many, as she had not been actively involved in politics leading up to the general election. However, in a stroke of fate, Gwendo earned the trust of the party leadership, and she was appointed to represent special interest groups in the Senate.
Her time in the Senate was marked by numerous dramatic events. Whether it was spending a night at Muthaiga police station after failing an alcohol test or her highly publicized love life, Gwendo was rarely out of the spotlight. Her personal life and actions often kept the public intrigued, and she became a frequent subject of media attention.
In the 2017 elections, Gwendo made another bold move, choosing to remain loyal to President Uhuru Kenyatta by contesting for the Kisumu Town East MP seat under the Jubilee Party. Unfortunately, her bid was unsuccessful, as she was defeated by incumbent Shakeel Shabbir, who ran as an independent candidate.
After leaving the Senate, Gwendo’s troubles deepened. She found herself entangled in legal issues that saw her face serious charges. Among the accusations were embezzling millions from a Kisumu-based cooperative, forgery, and abuse of office during her tenure as a legislator.
Gwendo was sentenced to two years in prison, but she appealed the decision, and the sentence was overturned. Despite regaining her freedom, Gwendo spent a considerable time behind bars, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in her life.
By Standard