Meet Brenda Wairimu’s Parents: Janet Njeri Ngatho and Joseph Ngatho

Brenda Wairimu, a celebrated Kenyan actress, model, and producer, has become one of East Africa’s most admired talents, known for her captivating performances in hit TV series such as Mali, Shuga, and Monica.

Born on May 3, 1989, in Eldoret, Kenya, Brenda was raised in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, where her childhood was filled with outdoor play, community warmth, and a deep appreciation for creativity and culture.

Of Kikuyu descent, she has described her upbringing as both loving and formative, helping shape the discipline and drive that would later define her career.

Brenda’s parents, Janet Njeri Ngatho and Joseph Ngatho, played a pivotal role in her early life, nurturing her confidence and ambition. Sadly, both have passed away—her father in 2012 and her mother in 2015—but Brenda continues to honour their memory, often referring to them as her greatest inspirations.

She grew up alongside four siblings, including her elder sister Maureen Ngatho and a younger brother, forming a close-knit family foundation that continues to guide her.

For her education, Brenda attended the United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), where she earned a degree in International Business Management with a minor in Broadcast Media. This blend of business and creative knowledge helped her navigate the entertainment industry with confidence and professionalism.

Now Invalid date format years old, Brenda has never been married. Still, she is a proud mother to her daughter, Amor Owino (born January 8, 2015), whom she co-parents with her ex-partner, renowned Kenyan rapper Juliani (Julius Owino).

Their relationship, which lasted several years before ending in 2018, remains an important part of her personal journey. She is currently in a relationship with Shaquel Onesmus.

Janet Njeri Ngatho

Janet Njeri Ngatho was the nurturing heart of the Wairimu family, serving as Brenda‘s mother and a pillar of unwavering support.

Of Kikuyu descent, Janet raised Brenda and her four siblings—three sisters, including Maureen Ngatho, and a younger brother—in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa after the family’s move from Eldoret.

She appears to have been a dedicated homemaker focused on family, but her impact was profound. She encouraged Brenda’s education, watching her daughter excel academically and pursue a degree in International Business Administration with a minor in Media at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa).

Janet‘s bond with Brenda was especially close, marked by moments of guidance and shared dreams. In interviews, Brenda has described her mother as a source of strength, particularly during her early acting days when opportunities were few. Tragically, Janet passed away in 2015 due to health complications, leaving a void that Brenda has publicly mourned.

Reflecting on the loss in a 2021 interview, Brenda called it “the scariest moment” of her life, revealing how Janet‘s absence tested her resolve but ultimately fueled her determination to succeed as a single mother to her daughter, Amor Njeri.

Janet‘s legacy lives on through Brenda‘s advocacy for women’s empowerment and parenting, as seen in her hosted show Mommy 101.

Joseph Ngatho

Joseph Ngatho, often referred to simply as Mr. Ngatho in public records, was Brenda‘s father and the family’s steadfast provider.

Born into a Kikuyu lineage, Joseph played a key role in relocating the family to Mombasa, where he contributed to their stability amid Kenya’s evolving social landscape.

As a father, Joseph was instrumental in fostering Brenda‘s confidence, supporting her academic pursuits and early interests in media. Brenda has shared how her parents, including her father, were her biggest cheerleaders, pushing her to “believe, begin, become“—a mantra she lives by.

His passing in 2012, just three years before Janet‘s, compounded the family’s grief, but Brenda honours his memory by channelling his lessons into her roles as an actress and advocate. In a poignant Instagram tribute years later, she wrote, “Mom, Dad,” underscoring the enduring love that binds her to him.

Though Joseph Ngatho‘s public footprint is modest, his quiet strength echoes in Brenda‘s ability to navigate personal losses—like her 2018 separation from rapper Juliani—while raising Amor and building a net worth estimated at KES 16 million through her acclaimed career.

Brenda Wairimu‘s parents may no longer be with us, but their spirit infuses every step of her path. From Mombasa’s shores to global screens, Janet and Joseph‘s legacy is one of love, perseverance, and quiet heroism—a foundation that continues to inspire Brenda and her fans alike.