Social media influencer Nana Owiti has opened up about the painful journey of losing her mother and taking on the responsibility of raising her younger sister while she was still young.
In an emotional tribute shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Nana reflected on the life-changing moment she lost her mother, describing her as a loving and joyful woman whose presence brought happiness to those around her.
She remembered her mother as a gentle giant whose laughter could brighten any room and whose love shaped the lives of her daughters.
Nana revealed that after her mother’s death, she had to step into a role far beyond that of an older sister.
Life after loss
She explained that overnight, she became a source of comfort, protection, and support for her younger sister, Portia Owiti.
“Overnight I became more than an older sister. I became a comforter, a school fees payer, a protector… a child trying to raise another child,” Nana shared.
She reflected on the weight of those responsibilities, noting that she had to grow up quickly while still dealing with her own grief.
Nana recalled being present when her mother took her last breath, a moment she described as deeply painful, just as her mother had been present when she took her first breath.
Building new lives
Despite the difficult beginning, Nana said she and her sister have managed to build their own lives years later.
She revealed that she is currently in America, while her sister is in South Africa, expressing pride in how far they have come sincelosing their mother.
Nana said she often goes through old family albums, where every picture reminds her of the memories they shared.
She also honoured her mother’s legacy by naming her daughter after her, saying some people continue to live on through their names, values, and the impact they leave behind.
Carrying grief
Nana said losing a loved one is something people learn to carry rather than completely overcome.
She explained that grief changes with time, appearing in quiet moments and unexpected reminders.
“Years later, I don’t miss her less. I just miss her differently,” she wrote.
