Born in Ngenda in Gatundu Kiambu County, she was raised by her parents Chief Muhoho wa Gathecha and Anne Nyokabi Muhoho. Ngina married the first president of the Republic of Kenya in 1957 when she was only 18 years old and together they had four children. She was his fourth wife.
Ngina stood by her husband during the turbulent times that preceded Kenya gaining her independence. She was once arrested and detained at Kamiti Maximum prison for her involvement with Jomo Kenyatta.