Tributes pour in after popular Wakalucy founder dies following cancer battle
By Steve Ireri, September 16, 2026Tributes have poured in for Monica Waithera Chege, the entrepreneur behind the popular Wakalucy Fish Palace joints, following her death after a battle with cancer at the age of 46.
Her death was confirmed by Facebook influencer Kennie Balo on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, who described her as the woman whose dream and passion gave birth to the Wakalucy name that many Kenyans came to associate with fish and good food.
Balo noted that while many people knew Wakalucy as a popular destination for fish, behind the name was an entrepreneur who had built the business from her own idea, vision and passion.
“For many, Wakalucy was simply a place to enjoy good food. But behind that name was a woman with a dream, a vision and a passion for what she did,” Balo wrote.
He added that the Wakalucy brand was Waithera’s idea and that she successfully built it into a name that became recognised and loved by many.
“That good food and the Wakalucy name were her idea. She built something that became known and loved by many,” Balo added.
Balo further reflected on the legacy Waithera leaves behind following her death, saying she had touched the lives of many through what she built.
“Rest well, mama. You came, you built, you touched lives, and now you have left a legacy behind,” he wrote.
Content creator Mbote Njogu also mourned Waithera, revealing that although he had never met her in person, the two had previously communicated over the phone.
Njogu said he learnt of her death through social media, describing the news as painful while celebrating the reputation that Wakalucy had built among its customers.
“I never met her, but we had conversations through the phone. I have just received the sad news through social media. Your legacy will live forever,” Njogu wrote.
The content creator went on to praise the Wakalucy brand, saying its fish had developed a reputation that he considered difficult to match.
“Your fish cannot be compared to anyone else’s. Wakalucy to the world,” he added.
Njogu also listed several Wakalucy outlets, recalling branches including Wakalucy Base, Wakalucy Kamakis, Wakalucy Mirema, Wakalucy SNL, Wakalucy Burudani, Wakalucy Kasarani and Wakalucy along Kiambu Road.
Digital creator Nyto Mwangi also mourned Waithera, identifying her as the entrepreneur behind Wakalucy Fish Palace and revealing that she had died following a long battle with cancer.
“Monica Waithera Chege, the entrepreneur behind Wakalucy Fish Palace, has died after a long battle with cancer,” Mwangi wrote.
Mwangi also highlighted some of the locations where the Wakalucy brand had established outlets, including Club Carwash along Mwiki Road in Kasarani, Mirema Drive in Roysambu at the Paris Lounge branch, Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass and Bypass Marurui, also known as Ashaki.
He concluded his tribute with a message directed at the disease that Waithera had battled.
“One day, cancer shall also die. May she RIP,” Mwangi wrote.
Gospel singer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya was also among those mourning Waithera, describing her as a great soul and a friend.
“A great soul has rested. May your soul rest in peace, my friend Wakalucy,” Muraya wrote.
Muraya also extended his condolences to Waithera’s family and friends, asking Jehovah to comfort them as they come to terms with her death.
“May Jehovah comfort your family and friends,” he added.