Gachagua's Last Surviving Aunt Passes On

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in mourning following the death of his only surviving maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, who died on Saturday after a short illness. 

Gachagua has described the loss as the most profound he has experienced since the death of his mother in 2019. In a public tribute shared via social media, Gachagua detailed the circumstances surrounding Gathoni's final hours, offering insights into the emotional impact of her death. He said that he was alerted to her sudden illness at 3:00 a.m. and immediately arranged for her transfer to Jamii Hospital in Karatina, a facility he trusted to provide appropriate care. 

He received an update from the hospital in the morning indicating that her condition had stabilised, which initially allowed him to proceed with plans to visit her later in the day. However, this tentative reassurance was followed by tragedy. Gachagua's journey to Karatina in the early afternoon was hampered by a severe traffic jam near Ruiru, causing a significant delay. He received a call at 4:05 p.m., informing him that his aunt had died minutes before his anticipated arrival. 

"I arrived at the hospital at 4:10 p.m. only to be told I was five minutes late," he wrote, conveying the depth of his personal grief. "Today, I am at my lowest since I lost my mother in 2019."

Gachagua describes her as a maternal figure who assumed the role of motherhood following the death of his biological mother. Gathoni's influence extended far beyond familial obligations. 

"She has been my mother, my mentor, my cheerleader, and a prayer warrior, so loving," he said. "I have no one to turn to in this grief and pain. I have lost a mentor and a counsellor. I feel hollow, down, and abandoned."

Known affectionately within the family as "Tata wa Matunda" (the fruits' aunt), Gathoni cultivated yellow passion fruits on her farm. Gachagua's memories are steeped in shared moments of kinship, including morning walks to her home for porridge and boiled maize, conversations filled with laughter, and the sharing of folk tales from Kenya's struggle for independence. 

Gachagua emphasises that both his aunt and late mother were active participants in the Mau Mau movement. He attributes his understanding of heritage and national struggle to her stories of resistance. Gathoni also served as a cultural steward, teaching him the Meru language and reinforcing his Ameru identity.

Gachagua has pledged to give his aunt a dignified send-off, honouring her as a heroine of personal and national importance. Funeral arrangements are currently being organised and are expected to be announced by the family in due course.