Thomas Kwaka, widely known as Big Ted, Kenya’s Consul General for Los Angeles, has offered insights into his personal life, discussing his failed marriage with his estranged wife, Cynthia Akoth.
In a recent interview with the Iko Nini podcast, Ted also talked about parenting and the complexities of remarriage.
Big Ted shared details about his two teenage daughters, whom he prefers to keep out of the public eye.
In his role as a proud “girl dad,” he expressed the joy and pride he finds in being a parent.
Despite being in the public sphere, he respects his daughters’ wishes to remain anonymous, stating:
“Nimewapiga cover mbaya.(I have completely protected them) Even if you Google them, you won’t find them. I am a slave of these children. I can’t tell them no. They know this. I am like, what do you need, no no no, I will give you today.”
Reflecting on his past marriage, Big Ted clarified that the split was not due to work or financial issues but rather a divergence in directions.
“I was in a different direction, and so was she. Na sikutake time nijaribu hizo mbili zishikane. (I did not take time to connect both our paths Then, we were in different spaces at the time.”
Despite the challenges, he maintains a close relationship with his daughters and continues to prioritise their well-being.
Addressing the topic of remarriage, Big Ted humorously admitted to currently having five significant women in his life.
He acknowledged the complexities of handling multiple relationships in his life – father, husband, and baby father – but maintained a lighthearted perspective on the matter.
“Hao madame huwa very special, in fact, me saa hii coz I remarried, the blunder is niko na five women in my life, by the way, hio ni ngori. Wote waki decide wata kutolea attitude, machozi tu brathe…(All those women in my life are very special. I remmaried so, I have five women in my life. If they all decide to give you an attitude, you will be in tears…)”
Big Ted highlighted the importance of living and learning, and that divorce is not final.
Concluding the interview, he stated, “Divorce is not final, but I’d rather you go back to your parents with your suitcase than go back to your parents in a suitcase.”
Big Ted is in the country for a holiday after he relocated to the US where he serves as the Los Angeles Consul General.
