Uhuru’s cousin Beatrice Wambui remembered as a pillar of love and inspiration

Uhuru’s cousin, the late Beatrice Wambui. /HANDOUTThe family of the late Beatrice Wambui Muturi, a first cousin of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has remembered her as a source of love, strength and inspiration whose legacy will live on through generations.

Wambui, who was the beloved wife of the late John Muturi Thumi, was eulogised as a devoted mother, grandmother and family figure whose life touched many people.

In a family tribute, her relatives described her death as a great loss but expressed gratitude for the years they shared with her and the memories she leaves behind.

“She was a source of love, strength, and inspiration to her family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by her. Though we mourn this great loss, we give thanks to God for her long life, cherished memories, unwavering faith, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind,” the family said.

She was a loving mother to Peter and Rose Thumi, Prof Anne Muigai, Andrew and Florence Maina, Nancy Waithira, Daniel Ngengi, Francis and Priscilla Mwangi, Elizabeth Mumbi and James Muigai.

Her family also celebrated her role as a grandmother to Muturi and Lilian, Wambui Thumi and Charles, George and Gina, Nick, Wambui Muigai and Mulatya, Mukuhi, Jomo, Mwaniki, Tutu, Wambui Maina, Tina, Wambui Waithera and Mutunga, Grace, Arthur, Aaron and Audrey.

Her daughter, Mumbi, offered a deeply personal account of her mother’s final days, highlighting her resilience even as she battled illness.

Wambui had been diagnosed with myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, which gradually took a toll on her health.

Mumbi recalled how her mother remained determined not to allow her physical condition to define her, drawing on a Kikuyu expression, “Mwiri wakwa ndukujatha”, loosely translated as “my body will not dictate me”.

However, as her condition deteriorated, she eventually acknowledged the toll the illness was taking.

“She told me, ‘Mumbi, my body is failing me,’” her daughter recalled.

The final period of her life was difficult, with Wambui requiring oxygen support and an oxygen concentrator as she received medical care under Dr Charles Kariuki.

Despite the challenges, her family remained close to her, ensuring she was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away.

Mumbi said her mother died peacefully, without a struggle.

“She went in peace. She didn’t fight. She didn’t struggle,” she recalled.

Before her death, Wambui received the final Holy Communion administered by Reverend Dorcas Gachagua.

Her daughter also remembered their conversations about Kenya’s struggle for independence, particularly stories of the Mau Mau war and how it was fought during the 1950s.

Even in her final days, Wambui would express her desire to rest, repeatedly saying, “Rekeei huruke” — let me rest.