Social media platforms in Kenya have seen widespread tributes following the passing of Monica Waithera Chege, widely known as Wakalucy. Chege was the Kenyan entrepreneur who founded the Wakalucy Fish Palace restaurant chain in the Nairobi metropolitan area.
She passed away on 15 September 2026 at the age of 46 after a battle with cancer. News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes online from grieving customers, friends, and fans of her popular food brand.
Building the Wakalucy Fish Brand
Chege built a household name by serving fresh fried and wet-fry fish paired with ugali and traditional accompaniments. Her eateries provided a wide variety of cooked fish, ranging from classic favourites to unique dishes. The menu also featured chicken, ugali, and chips.
Her enterprise expanded into multiple busy branches across Nairobi. Outlets were located at Kasarani Club Carwash on Mwiki Road, Mirema Drive at Club Paris, Kamakis, and the Bypass at Marurui and Ruiru.
The joints drew massive crowds, attracting local celebrities alongside everyday food lovers.
Key Business Statistics
Online reports and business features recorded key operational statistics for the enterprise:
- Daily Clientele: Over 2,000 clients visited the branches daily across all locations.
- Workforce: As of 2023, the business maintained an employee database of over 32 workers.
- Social Media Following: The Wakalucy Fish Palace Facebook page accumulated 2.4K followers.
Outpouring of Tributes Online
Following news of her passing, social media users shared tributes celebrating her character and business contributions.
George T. Diano posted a tribute on X expressing his condolences:
“She was a really kind lady. May her soul rest in eternal peace.“
Paul Neko highlighted her personal demeanour and respectful nature:
“WAKALUCY was humble, soft-spoken, friendly and respectful to everyone.“
He also noted her contribution to employment across diverse communities.
“She built a business that employed many Kenyans from different tribes and gave ordinary people a chance to earn a living.“
Neko added that her impact extended beyond commercial success: “In her own way, she created jobs and touched more lives than many people who hold powerful public offices.“
Legacy in Nairobi’s Hospitality Scene
Through her business growth, Chege became a celebrated figure in Nairobi’s hospitality sector.Grieving customers and commentators remembered her for both her food and her role as a job creator.
“May we remember her not only for the food she served, but also for the livelihoods she created,” another social media user mourned.
