Late President Mwai Kibaki’s Elder Sister Dies in Nyeri Aged 115

Esther Waitherero, the elder sister of the late former president Mwai Kibaki has passed away at the age of 115.

Nation reports that the centenarian died at her home in Gatuyaini village in Othaya, Nyeri County on Wednesday after a short illness.

“It is true and sad that we have lost Ms Waitherero who has been unwell for a short period. She died inside her house,” Dr. Joseph Kiragu, a relative of the Kibakis told Nation.

“I learned about her death this morning. Well, she was an old lady but seemed strong despite the illness.”

Kiragu said Waitherero, who led a humble life with her children in Gatuyaini, was 115 years old and died after a week-long sickness.

The deceased was a mother figure for her brother Kibaki, who was the last born in a family of six. In an interview with a local TV station in 2013, the mother a mother of four recalled how she used to take care of Kibaki.

“I used to smash potatoes and feed my younger brother (Kibaki). I would later give him a bath 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 young, Kibaki loved education so much.”

Her death comes about three months after the demise of Kibaki, who passed away on April 22nd at the age of 90. The former president was buried on April 29th at his home in Othaya and was accorded a State burial, with full military honors and protocols, including a 19-gun salute and a Kenya Air Force fly-past.