NAIROBI, Kenya — Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has announced the death of his mother, Lucia Wangui Thang’wa, a respected family matriarch fondly known as Nyina wa Martin.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Thursday, the senator reflected on his mother’s long battle with dementia and the strength he continued to draw from her presence despite her illness.
“For many years, my mother battled dementia. I am not even sure she ever got to know that I was elected Senator for Kiambu. But every time I saw her, sat with her, or spoke to her, I found strength to keep going,” Thang’wa said.
He remembered her as the central pillar of the family who, alongside her late husband, raised a large household grounded in discipline, sacrifice, and strong values.
“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 thirteen children with love, sacrifice, and discipline,” he added.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also paid tribute to the late Lucia Wangui, describing her as a devoted mother whose influence shaped a family that has made notable contributions in different fields.
“Lucia, a true matriarch, was a shining example of a hardworking and devoted mother who, together with her late husband Stephen Kimani Thang’wa, a primary school teacher, bore and raised thirteen children,” Gachagua said.
He highlighted the achievements of several members of the family, noting that the values she instilled played a significant role in their success.
“Through her nurturing and guidance, she brought into this world many gifted and honest children, among them Karungo wa Thang’wa, a Senator; Fr. Michael Thang’wa, a Catholic priest; Kihara wa Thang’wa, a global humanitarian; Wambui Thang’wa and Wanjiru Thang’wa, who are both nurses, and many distinguished sons and daughters who continue to contribute positively to society,” he said.
According to Gachagua, Lucia Wangui passed away at the age of 93 after developing breathing complications.
“At the age of 93, Lucia rested this afternoon after developing breathing complications. She was with her son Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa and her caregivers in her final moments,” he said.
He extended condolences to the Thang’wa family, relatives, and friends during what he described as a difficult moment of mourning.
“My heartfelt condolences go to Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, the entire Thang’wa family, relatives, and friends during this difficult time,” Gachagua added.
As tributes continue to pour in for Lucia Wangui Thang’wa, leaders and friends have remembered her as a devoted mother and enduring matriarch whose legacy lives on through her children and the values she instilled in them.
