27 August 2024

• Allan was the first-born among three siblings and died in 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

Esther Wambui, the sister of the late Bishop Allan Kiuna, recently opened up about the harrowing experiences of growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father.

During an appearance on Woman Without Limits, Wambui shared how deeply those events traumatized her.

"We would take turns praying, hoping our drunk father wouldn’t beat us. Every time we heard him approaching, Allan, being the eldest, would always try to protect us. When the violence became unbearable, my mother would flee for her life," Wambui recounted.

She added that her mother’s brother, who lived nearby, was a constant source of refuge.

"My mum had a brother who lived close by, and he always kept his gate open because she could show up at any time. Even the village dogs knew her and wouldn’t bite. She would wait until the house lights were off before returning home.

If the lights were still on, she knew there was trouble and would spend the night at her brother’s place. The next day, my father would deny any responsibility when asked about the bruises on my mum’s face," Wambui said.

Wambui also revealed that Bishop Allan Kiuna often urged their mother to leave their toxic father. "Allan would beg my mum to leave the marriage, but she would always wonder where we would go if she left. Allan would suggest we go to Nakuru and start farming. He even offered to delay his education so that our other brother, Magu, could continue going to school."

Reflecting on her childhood, Wambui noted that she became a fighter, defending her siblings from bullies.

As for her mother, Wambui shared the pivotal moment that led to her finally leaving the abusive relationship.

"In 1976, after my mother was severely beaten, she decided she had had enough. My father would beat her and force her to look at herself in the mirror, threatening to ruin her face so that no one would ever love her. I even remember the dress she wore that day.

When she got the chance, she left and never looked back. The children were later thrown out and had to go in search of their mother."