Kenya’s former President Mwai Kibaki’s sister Esther Waitherero has died at the age of 115.
Waitherero died in her house at Gatuyaini in Othaya on Wednesday July 13 night after battling an illness.
A nephew of the late Kibaki, Dr Joseph Kiragu confirmed that the centenarian passed on after a week-long sickness.
“It is true and sad that we have lost Ms Waitherero who has been unwell for a short period. She died inside her house where she has been undertaking medication,” Dr Kiragu said.
Dr Kiragu said Ms Waitherero had attained 115 years but was unwell.
“I learned about her death this morning. Well, she was an old lady but seemed strong despite the illness,” he said.
Ms Waitherero used to offer a motherly role in taking care of Kibaki, who was the last born in a family of six. She helped her parents in bringing up Kibaki.
Kibaki, the third Kenya’s President, was born to John Kibaki Githinji and Ms Wanjiku Kibaki on November 15, 1931 in Thunguri in Othaya Sub-County in Nyeri County.
Kibaki was buried on April 29 at his home in Othaya where he was accorded full military honours. The late former President was survived by his elder sister – Ms Waitherero.
In a recent interview with a local television station in 2013, Ms Waitherero recalled how she used to take care of her brother Kibaki.
“I used to smash potatoes and feed my younger brother (Kibaki). I would later bathe him and ensure that he was healthy,” she said then.
“He used to scribble some writings on the sand for two years and did not know how to hold a pen. After completing his secondary education, he stayed at home for a year before proceeding to the other level. Since he was at a tender age, Kibaki loved education so much,” she added.
