Radio Maisha presenter opens up on motherhood

Radio Maisha’s ‘Konnect’ presenter, Esther Mwende Macharia is fortunate not to have attracted the attention of scandalous tabloids and blogs. Last year, she was engaged to a renowned producer before they decided to take a break from the relationship.

She however discovered that she was pregnant and her partner had moved on. She spoke to CATE MUKEI about single motherhood and mending her relationship with God.

Two years ago you were happily engaged, but things didn’t work out. What exactly happened?

It simply did not work out with my partner. We were engaged, but after seven months of dating, we decided to call it quits. He had met my family in Diani, but the spark was gone. I guess it was God’s plan.

What exactly led to the breakup?

We were going through a rocky patch in our relationship, which is not uncommon. My ex, however, felt that I was disrespectful and so we decided to take a break, though we continued seeing each other in an uncommitted relationship.

How long did this last?

I kept asking him to define the relationship but he wasn’t forthcoming. I later discovered that I was pregnant.

Were you prepared for the pregnancy?

I was still in my early 20s, and I had just launched my career as a TV co-host for KTN’s and Radio Maisha’s ‘Tukuza.’ Everyone considered me to be this straight, proper and saved girl. I faced the same challenges young people encounter. I was the typical party girl. I had never imagined myself pregnant. I mean, it was me, Mwende! How could I be pregnant? I took several pregnancy tests before I finally went to a doctor who confirmed that I was indeed going to be a mother.

Did you inform your baby daddy and how did he react?

All my life, I had not imagined myself as a single mother and so I called him immediately. He came to my house and told me he had moved on.

I was very bitter. I threatened to abort, but he pleaded with me not to, promising to support the child. I later saw him with his ‘new’ girl at the Groove Awards. It really hurt me and that’s when reality sunk in.

Was he supportive through the pregnancy?

Not really, but he would visit. I can’t entirely fault him as he was also going through a difficult phase in his life. He gave the child a name and visited whenever he could.

You were pulled out from the gospel TV show. Did this have anything to do with your pregnancy?

Yes, not that I did not expect it. It was only fair that I pay for my sins and carry my cross without dragging the brand down. At the time, I felt like giving up on life. I even tried resigning, but thankfully, the company still had faith in me.

 

 

Did this change your relationship with your fans and colleagues in gospel circles?

Not really. God protected me. This was the type of scandal gossip writers fish for, but I asked God to guide and protect me. Not that the grapevine was not in the know, somehow they just let it slide, maybe none of them was bold enough to approach me. As for my colleagues, they were very supportive. In fact, this interview came just at the right time!

How has life changed since then?

My relationship with God has changed. I’m no longer a half-stepper. I’m a living testimony. My son has also taught me how to love and forgive. I always assumed that being in love with a man was the greatest deal in life. But being a mother is the greatest feeling a woman can ever ask for.

How is his (baby daddy’s) relationship with his son?

I really don’t want to talk much about him, but I can say that I forgave him. The rest will fall in place. Time will tell.

What are some of the challenges you face as a single mother?

Reality first hit me when I came home from the hospital with my baby. I did not know how to handle a newborn. I no longer think about changing my wardrobe after every two weeks. All I see and think about is baby clothes and diapers!

Are you dating?

No. I don’t want to confuse my son with different father figures.