Waithaka Wa Jane delivers moving performance, speech as hundreds gather for Wakalucy’s burial

Mugithi artiste and one-man guitarist Waithaka wa Jane delivered an emotional performance and speech as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Wakalucy founder Monica Waithera Chege in Mukurweini on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Waithaka, who was among the entertainers and guests at the burial ceremony, performed for mourners before turning his attention to the family and other people who had gathered to honour the late businesswoman.

In his speech, Waithaka began by checking on those gathered before thanking Bishop Ben, whom he identified as his own bishop, for attending the ceremony. He also acknowledged another woman whom he described as a mother to the family and a major fan of his music.

“How are you today? I hope you are well. I thank Bishop Ben, who is also my bishop, for attending. I honour all those who came, including another mum of this family because she is a big fan of mine,” Waithaka said.

The Mugithi artiste went on to share a light moment about the woman’s music preferences, noting that although she did not sing along to all his songs, including Karaiku, she had particular songs that she loved.

“Though she does not sing some of my songs, like Karaiku, she has those which she loves. May God bless you all,” he said.

Waithaka then turned his speech towards the mourners and the painful reality of death, offering words of encouragement to those who were grieving the loss of Waithera. He asked God to give the family and everyone mourning the strength to endure the difficult period while reminding them of the inevitability of death.

“And to all who are mourning, may God give you strength and everything that happens because of God’s will,” the artiste said.

The one-man guitarist further reflected on the uncertainty of life, urging those gathered to pray for more time and to appreciate the opportunity to be alive.

He noted that people could never be certain about what the following day might bring, making the moment an opportunity to reflect on their own mortality.

“All of death is the same way we will walk, and that is why we should all pray that God gives you time so you cannot die prematurely, or that He gets you where you want,” Waithaka said.

He continued by reminding mourners that life could change unexpectedly, urging them to recognise the uncertainty that comes with each passing day.

“You may live today, but tomorrow you may not be sure,” he said.

Last respects

In the days leading up to her burial, a condolence book was placed at her family home as relatives, friends, customers and admirers continued arriving to pay their respects.

The book sat on a table covered with a white cloth, with a lit candle placed beside it and Waithera’s mounted photograph standing nearby. Fresh flowers surrounded the photograph, creating a memorial display that became one of the focal points for mourners arriving at the home.

The photograph showed Waithera dressed in one of the work aprons associated with her identity as she built the Wakalucy brand and expanded its presence among Kenyan food lovers.

A video showing the condolence book and the memorial arrangement was shared on TikTok on Friday, September 18, 2026, offering a glimpse into the sombre atmosphere at the family home as preparations for her burial continued.

Another video showed burial meetings underway, with relatives, friends, neighbours and other well-wishers gathering in large numbers to help the family prepare for the final send-off.

Those attending the meetings also broke into song as they remembered Waithera, turning the gatherings into emotional moments of remembrance ahead of the burial.

The family had earlier announced that a candle-lighting ceremony would be held at the Wakalucy Kamakis branch before Waithera’s burial in Mukurweini, Karafa.

Waithera’s death was confirmed on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by Facebook influencer Kennie Balo, who remembered her as the woman behind the dream, vision and passion that gave birth to the Wakalucy name.

Balo noted that while many people associated Wakalucy with food, particularly fish, the business represented the culmination of Waithera’s personal dream and years of work.

“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.

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