Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is mourning following the death of his only surviving aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, who passed away on Saturday, June 28, at Jamii Hospital in Karatina.
In a statement, Gachagua expressed profound grief and described the loss as one of the most painful moments in his life since the death of his mother in 2019.
"Today, I am at my lowest since I lost my mother in 2019. I was called at 3.00 a.m. last night and informed that my only surviving Aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, had been taken ill, and I needed to see her urgently," he said.
Gachagua recounted the events leading up to his aunt’s passing, expressing regret that traffic delays prevented him from seeing her in her final moments.
"I did guide that she be taken to Jamii Hospital in Karatina Town and proposed to see her at 4 pm today. At 9.00 a.m., I did a follow-up with the hospital, and she was stable. I left for Karatina at 2.00 pm, and unfortunately, I fell into a huge traffic jam near Ruiru and lost almost 30 minutes.
Read More
"I was called by the Doctors and requested that I hurry up since she indicated that her time on earth was running out. I struggled and arrived at the hospital at 4.10 pm only to be told I was 5 minutes late; my aunt left us at 4.05 pm," he continued.
According to Gachagua, Aunt Gathoni played a pivotal role in his life, especially after the passing of his mother.
He described her as more than just a relative but his mentor, supporter, and source of comfort.
"Aunt Gathoni was my only surviving Aunt of my mother's side, and since the demise of my mum, she has been my mother, my mentor, my cheerleader, and a prayer warrior so loving.
"As young lads, we used to call her 'tata wa matunda' (the fruits' Aunt) because of the yellow passion she grew on her farm, which we used to so dearly enjoy," he added.
Gachagua shared fond memories of his regular morning visits to her home and the treasured conversations they had.
"While in the office and in the village, I used to take my morning walk and pass by her house to enjoy a heavy and hot breakfast of porridge and boiled maize. We would laugh and laugh at her folktales, Mau Mau Struggle songs, unending stories of Mau Struggle and forest experiences where she and my late mother were in the cause while fighting the colonialists.
"She used to teach me Kimeru language and always told me I was 'Kiana Kia Mwari' (son of a daughter) and that I needed to re-unite with our Meru family. We loved each other. We were close. She called me the apple of her eye and her favorite son. We spent quality time together, and her wise counsel anchors me on," he recalled.
Overwhelmed with grief, Gachagua said he feels down and abandoned following the loss, also sending his condolences to Gathoni's loved ones.
"I have no one to turn to in this grief and pain. I have lost a mentor and a counselor. I feel hollow, down, and abandoned. My deepest sympathies to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her friends, and the people of Inono village who used to join me for the visits and early morning breakfast whenever I visited," he expressed.
Gachagua promised a dignified farewell for Aunt Gathoni, acknowledging the immeasurable impact she had on his personal and political journey.
"As you rest, Aunt, we will give you a befitting and dignified send-off for a heroine you were to us. You played a great role in my leadership and in my life. May the Almighty God rest your soul in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon you forever," he concluded.
