A deep wave of grief has swept across Nyandarua County following the tragic death of Beth Wahito, a nominated Member of the County Assembly, in a road accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.
Wahito’s passing marks the end of an era. Known for her firm voice, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting advocacy for women and the marginalized, she leaves behind a legacy etched in decades of public service.
Representing Njabini Kiburu Ward, Wahito had become a household name in Nyandarua respected, even revered, for her boldness in the political arena. Her career, which spanned over 30 years, began in the era of the now-defunct Nyandarua County Council where she served as a councillor. She later became a specially elected MCA in the county’s first and current (third) Assembly.
Over the years, Wahito’s influence cut across party lines. She served as a Youth Leader with the Democratic Party, rose to Chair NARC–Kenya in Nyandarua, and in her later years, became the Kinangop Constituency Coordinator for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) proving her relevance and resilience in an ever-shifting political landscape.
Inside the Assembly, Wahito was not a passive figure. As Vice-Chairperson of the Health Services Committee, and a member of multiple committees including those handling infrastructure, member welfare, and special funds, she helped shape county legislation and championed health, development, and accountability.
But Wahito was more than a political stalwart. She was a mother, a grandmother, and a guiding force to those around her. Her colleagues speak of her with deep emotion describing a woman who led with both strength and warmth.
Kanjiuri Ridge MCA Thuo Gachino fought back tears as he recalled their final moments together. “She wasn’t just a leader; she was a mother to us all. Just hours before her passing, we were together in Naivasha. When I got home to Nakuru and heard the news, I was crushed,” he shared.
Gachino was also struck by Wahito’s final social media post, where she wrote “ndathii mutitu” Kikuyu for “I’m going to the forest.” He replied, unaware of the tragic foreshadowing. “I responded, ‘geithania mutitu’ safe journey through the forest.’ I didn’t know it was a forest of no return.”
Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Wachira Waiganjo also paid tribute, saying, “Hon. Wahito’s courage, clarity, and commitment defined her time in public life. We have lost not just a colleague, but a pillar of this Assembly. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
As the county mourns, the impact of Beth Wahito’s life continues to echo through the people and institutions she served. Her voice may have fallen silent, but her legacy speaks louder than ever.
