Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has announced the death of his mother, Lucia Wangui Thang’wa, paying tribute to her as a strong matriarch who raised a large family with love and sacrifice.
Senator Thang’wa in a message shared on Thursday, said his mother, popularly known as Nyina wa Martin, had been battling dementia for several years.
Thang’wa said the illness had affected her memory in recent years, noting that she may not have known that he had been elected senator.
Despite the condition, he said spending time with her always gave him strength.
“This afternoon we have lost our dear mother, Lucia Wangui Thang’wa, also known to many as Nyina wa Martin. For many years my mother battled dementia. I am not even sure she ever got to know that I was elected the Senator for Kiambu,” he said.
“But every time I saw her, sat with her, or spoke to her, I found strength to keep going. She may not have remembered many things in her final years, but to us she remained the strong matriarch who, together with our late father, raised 13 children with love, sacrifice, and discipline. Rest well Mum. I remain your 13th.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the death of Mama Lucia, describing her as a devoted mother and a strong matriarch whose life was defined by resilience, sacrifice and dedication to family.
“It is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing on of Mama Lucia Wangui Thang’wa,” Gachagua said.
He said the late Lucia was a shining example of a hardworking and devoted mother “who, together with her late husband Stephen Kimani Thang’wa, raised thirteen children.”
According to the DCP leader, Mama Lucia passed away at the age of 93 after developing breathing complications. She died in the presence of her son Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and caregivers.
