Background: Marriage and Divorce
Muthama and Kavindu married under Kamba customary law in the late 1970s and had children together. The marriage ended in divorce in 1983, with court records citing cruelty and granting custody of children to Kavindu. Muthama has publicly maintained they parted ways legally in 1983 and insisted he is not currently married to her. Kavindu, at times, claimed the marriage was effectively restored later and that she remained his spouse, but courts rejected this.
Legal and Property Battles
Their separation didn’t stay private. They ended up in several court fights: Matrimonial Home Dispute Kavindu lived for years on property in Machakos (Mua Hills) that she considered their home. Muthama took legal action to evict her, arguing she was living there only as a mother of his children, not as a legal spouse. The court ruled in Muthama’s favor, confirming the 1983 divorce and allowing eviction.
Marital Status Disputes in Court
Kavindu sought court declarations that she was still his wife or entitled to shared assets, but those challenges were dismissed, as she couldn’t prove a legal remarriage.
Political Rivalry and Public Feuds
Their personal split has significant political dimensions: 2021 Machakos Senatorial Contest After years out of elective politics, Kavindu ran for Machakos Senator in a 2021 by-election and won. Her political rise was seen by many, including some in the region, as a direct challenge to Muthama’s influence in Ukambani politics. At one point, Muthama publicly distanced himself from her political ambitions and even backed a different candidate against her.
Public Arguments
The rivalry spilled into public statements, with Muthama once saying she isn’t his wife, that he has legal divorce documents, and emphasizing he had no obligation to her in political campaigns. In 2021, there was a widely reported public spat involving comments from Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka about reconciling the two, which almost led to a confrontation.
Shared Tragedy
Despite the personal and legal fallout, the two still share family ties through their children. Tragically, in February 2026, their only son, Moses Nduya Muthama, passed away after collapsing at home, prompting public condolences to both parents.
