Citizen TV journalist Lillian Muli has shared the reasons behind the nine-year age gap between her two sons. She spoke during a Mother’s Day special dinner held over the weekend at The Volvo Shop.
The event was hosted by Joseph Kibathi, the CEO of The Volvo Shop Kenya, and his wife Nessy Mukiri. Muli used the occasion to reflect on her journey through motherhood and a demanding career in the public eye.
Navigating Early Motherhood
Muli explained that she had her first son, Joshua, when she was very young. At the time, she was still trying to navigate the complexities of life and her new role as a parent.
The journalist noted that she was also balancing her rising status in the media. She described the period as “really hard” while she figured out motherhood alongside what others called celebrityhood.
“I had him when I was very young and I was just trying to figure out life and motherhood and celebrityhood. I don’t even know what a celebrity is in this country but you know that’s what they used to call us,” she recalled.
The Nine-Year Gap
Joshua is now 15 years old, while her younger son, Liam Francis, is 7. Muli stated that nearly nine years passed before her second child arrived. She attributed this gap to her focus on establishing her professional life.
“My children actually have an almost 9 year difference. Don’t ask me why. I was just figuring out career and everything. And so my other baby came in,” she said.
A “Prophetic” Venue
The choice of venue held personal significance for the news anchor. She revealed that her father owned a Volvo 240 while she was growing up.
She recalled her father picking her up from school in the “blue stretch” vehicle. Muli described the brand as having an “understated elegance” that does not try too hard.
She mentioned showing her sons photos of the car, and they were impressed by the family’s history with the brand.
Raising Boys Without a Manual
Muli spoke candidly about the challenges of raising two boys as a public personality. She admitted that there is no “manual” for parenting.
However, she emphasised the importance of being a present mother. She told the audience that she strives to keep her home filled with love and presence. She also spoke about the “mom guilt” that often comes with a full-time job in the media.
“As long as you’re a present mom… we are good. The mom guilt will always be there. But I always say for me, everywhere I am, my sons are in my heart.”
Motherhood as a Full-Time Job
The journalist shared a message she sent her sons on Mother’s Day. She told them she did not want gifts or messages. Instead, she asked them to be “good boys,” obedient, respectful, and successful.
Muli concluded by acknowledging that motherhood is a “24/7 job” that remains on her mind even when she is at work. She celebrated the other mothers at the event, noting that parenting requires constant dedication and planning around the children’s schedules.
