John DeMathew's wives speak – Their polygamous marriage was amazing
By: Sere Neema
Posted on Friday, October 4, 2019
The Late John DeMathew did what many men find it hard to do, and his accomplishments were flawless. His first wife Sarafina Wairimu and second wife Caroline Waithera narrate on life with the artiste. Was it a loving and caring marriage? Or what they say, kwa ground vitu ni different…
“According to his mother's beliefs, her sons ought to have married two or more wives.”
How John DeMathew handled his family
He shared 7 years in marriage with first wife before a second one got into the picture. Between themse;ves they had four children, three from Caroline and one from Waithera.
How did John approach his second wife? Did he have to cook up false stories? Apparently not. Caroline recalls his words, “I have a wife, with three kids and I want a second wife,” and her response to that? “I was okay because I wanted a man who is responsible… my grandfather is married to two wives”
John had the first wife stay with him in the city and the second in his rural home. He would visit Caroline on the weekends and give her money for both homes. “My age difference with John is 20 years. He used to pamper me. Kama ako kwa mama ciku ananitumia, naona Mpesa from Sarafina Wairimu unaona heh, mzee ako hiyo base.”
Did his wives vibe?
Looking at you two women even as we prepared to do the interview, they are very friendly with each other… You have a certain bond amongst you two, Real Talk host Tamima starts us off.
Sarafina got introduced to Caroline one day when John took her out to lunch. The children had already met and knew each other well. She(Sarafina) is a calm woman, Caroline says. The last thing Caroline wanted to do was to garbage what Sarafina shared with John. Her prayerful nature was allowed her to totally ignore naysayers. She loved John so she abided.
Caroline was scared as Sarafina had never contacted her before. Things however changed after that initial meeting, they became best of friends. “Nilikuwa na uoga mbona huyu mama hanipigiangi simu, what was she planning...Tulianza kuenda holidays, kupeleka watoto movies, swimming, Babe akienda job tunaenda out zetu.”
Advice from the 1st wife – Marriage is not a bed of roses, si vizuri kurukia rukia maneno. Jijulie mwenyewe, mostly watakaokuja kukuambia, hawana nia mzuri.
Advice from 2nd wife – When you are a second wife, you should be a God fearing person. You should respect him and the first wife.
When their children visit each other’s homes, one cannot tell the difference. A beautifully blended family.
Rest in Peace John DeMathew, your legacy lives on through these 2 women and the children.
Watch the full interview below.
