Catherine Wambugu’s popular granny dies 5 years after urging TikTokers not to snub her burial
By Steve Ireri, August 17, 2026Miriam Waruguru, popularly known as Cucu wa Ndirangu, has died five years after making an emotional appeal to TikTok users to remember her and turn up for her burial.
Waruguru, who was the grandmother of businessman Dickson Ndirangu and a dear friend to businesswoman Catherine Wambugu, died on the night of Sunday, August 16, 2026, leaving her family and followers mourning the woman who had become a familiar face among Kenyan TikTok users.
Catherine shared the news of her death in an emotional post, describing the impact she had left on those who knew her.
“RIP 💔💔💔💔💔 Maitu, you have left us but your impact will be forever felt and remembered. Huruka uhoro maitu witu,” Catherine wrote.
She concluded the tribute by mourning Waruguru and tagging Dickson Ndirangu, her grandson, who had featured alongside the late granny in some of her social media appearances.
“RIP Waruguru,” Catherine added.
What Cucu wa Ndirangu told TikTokers
Waruguru’s death also brings back memories of a 2021 TikTok video in which she spoke directly to TikTok users about her eventual death and made a striking request regarding her burial.
In the video, which she shared alongside Ndirangu, the elderly woman greeted TikTok users respectfully before telling them what she wanted to happen when her time came.
“How are you, TikTok fans? I am greeting you with respect, and when I die at night, let Ndirangu inform you,” she said.
Waruguru then made a specific request to TikTok users, asking at least two people from the platform to attend her home after her death.
“I want to see some of you here, at least two from this thing called TikTok. I want some two random people from TikTok to come here,” she said.
She explained that she wanted the visitors to receive her blessing, alongside Ndirangu, whom she affectionately identified as her grandson.
“I want to bless them also alongside Ndirangu, my grandson, because I have few days before I die,” she said.
Waruguru also instructed Ndirangu to be the one to announce her death to the TikTok community when the time eventually came.
“And when I die, Ndirangu will announce to you,” she said.
She then extended her request beyond simply informing her online followers, asking them to physically attend her burial and participate in laying her to rest.
“And then you all will come here and mourn. You will come and attend my burial and bury me,” she said.
Waruguru ended the emotional message by saying that she had already blessed her TikTok followers and Ndirangu.
“I have blessed you all and also blessed Ndirangu for you all,” she said.