Ruto leads nation in mourning late Nyandarua MCA Beth Wahito

By Newsflash Reporter

President William Ruto on Sunday, June 22, led Kenyans in mourning the death of Beth Wahito, a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) in Nyandarua County Assembly, who perished in a grisly road accident along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

The tragic incident occurred late Saturday night as Wahito was returning home from a budget committee meeting held in Naivasha.

According to initial reports, the accident took place at around 11:00 p.m. at a road intersection, where she was fatally struck by a bus while attempting to cross.

Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Stephen Wachira Waiganjo confirmed that she died on the spot.

In a heartfelt tribute, President Ruto described Wahito as a dedicated leader whose work left a lasting impact on the people of Njabini and the wider Nyandarua community.

“We join the family and the people of Nyandarua County in mourning the passing of Mheshimiwa Beth Wahito. She was a solid grassroots mobiliser and a steadfast UDA supporter who subscribed to progressive politics. Beth will best be remembered for the many fresh ideas that transformed the lives of the people of Njabini. Rest in peace, Mheshimiwa Beth,” he stated.

The President’s message was echoed by several top leaders, both in Nyandarua and beyond, all of whom described Wahito as a committed public servant whose legacy will be difficult to match.

A legacy of leadership and compassion

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha expressed deep sorrow over Wahito’s death, describing her as a leader who served with dignity, equity, and a “motherly touch.” In his tribute, he remarked: “Hon. Wahito’s leadership in the County Assembly and in the community will forever be defined through her steadfast commitment to fairness and compassion. She espoused leadership through dignity and care.”

Badilisha offered prayers to Wahito’s family, colleagues in the County Assembly, and the people of Njabini, noting that her absence leaves a painful void. “As we come to terms with this deep loss, we seek God’s grace and fortitude during this most difficult period. May her soul rest in peace.”

Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau was equally shaken by the tragedy. “It is with a heavy heart that I received the shocking and heartbreaking news of the passing away of Hon. Beth Wahito Njoroge,” she said. Gitau highlighted Wahito’s extensive experience in public service, noting that she rose through the ranks from a councillor in the defunct Nyandarua County Council to become a respected MCA.

“Her exceptional grassroots mobilization skills, diligence, and concern for the underprivileged made her a pillar in our political circles. I have not only lost a friend but also her wise counsel,” Gitau added, recalling Wahito’s instrumental role in her own campaign during the 2022 General Election.

A trailblazer remembered

Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who credited Wahito as a mentor and supporter during his own political rise, called her death a personal and public loss. “Hon. Wahito was a trailblazer in leadership and a fearless advocate for justice. She served as a councillor and MCA in multiple Assemblies, and more recently as Kinangop Constituency UDA Coordinator and Chair of the Women’s Caucus in Nyandarua,” he said.

Senator Methu highlighted Wahito’s contributions to key committees, including health, infrastructure, and members’ welfare. “Beyond politics, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and mentor to many. Her courage and legacy of service will forever be remembered.”

Leshau Pondo MCA Kamau Gathungu, a colleague in the Assembly, expressed emotional grief at the loss of Wahito. “Rest with the Angels, my colleague Hon. Njoroge Beth Wahito. It’s well with the Lord till we meet again. You used to sit right ahead of me in the Assembly—you have left a void.”

Fellow MCAs also paid tribute, calling her a “towering political mentor” who inspired many, especially women in leadership.

A life of dedicated public service

Wahito’s political career spanned more than three decades, beginning with her work in the now-defunct Nyandarua County Council. She served under several parties, including the Democratic Party and NARC-Kenya, and was currently serving as Kinangop UDA Coordinator. Over the years, she became known for her strong advocacy for gender equity, grassroots development, and social justice.

Assembly Speaker Waiganjo praised her for championing the rights of the marginalized. “She led with courage, strength, and determination. She was not afraid to speak up for what she believed was right and worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of the underserved in her community,” he stated.

The accident, which occurred at the Naivasha junction, has sparked renewed concerns about pedestrian safety along Kenya’s major highways. The bus involved in the crash has since been towed to Naivasha Police Station as investigations into the incident continue.