Dennis Itumbi Mourns Wakalucy, Recalls How Her Small Kasarani Fish Stall Grew Into a Business Empire

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, Dennis Itumbi has paid tribute to Monica Waithera Chege, popularly known as Wakalucy, following her death at the age of 46.

In a heartfelt tribute, Itumbi recalled how he first encountered Wakalucy at the famous Kasarani Car Wash after being invited there by Josiah Muriguh HSC, Wanjohi Githae and Moses Njagih.

According to Itumbi, he was initially reluctant to visit the popular spot because he had not eaten the entire day. Wanjohi Githae reportedly assured him that Wakalucy had good fish and would sort him out.

Itumbi said the visit eventually introduced him to the woman behind what would later become a widely recognised food brand.

He recalled that Wakalucy initially operated what appeared to be a small, simple kibanda at Kasarani Car Wash, serving mainly customers at the entertainment spot. He said people who frequented the establishment soon began speculating about the number of fish she sold and the potential of her business.

Their predictions, Itumbi noted, eventually came true as Wakalucy expanded her operations, opened more outlets and created employment opportunities for many people.

The Wakalucy brand grew from its humble beginnings at the Kasarani-Mwiki Road car wash into a chain with outlets in different parts of Nairobi and its environs. Current business listings place Wakalucy Fish Palace at Car Wash Pub along Kasarani-Mwiki Road. 

Reports on her death indicate that Monica Waithera Chege died on September 15, 2026, aged 46, following a long battle with cancer. Tributes have since been shared by customers, friends, entrepreneurs and public figures who knew her or interacted with her business. 

Itumbi said Wakalucy's legacy goes beyond the food she served, noting that her business provided jobs and livelihoods to numerous families while inspiring other entrepreneurs.

He described her journey as an example of how a small beginning can grow into a major enterprise through hard work, consistency and focus.

“Today, the woman has rested. But Wakalucy will not die,” Itumbi said in his tribute, adding that her legacy would live on through the people she employed, the families who benefited from the jobs she created and the customers who enjoyed her food.

Wakalucy leaves behind a business legacy that began with a small fish outlet at Kasarani and grew into a recognisable restaurant brand. 

“Wakalucy, I sincerely SALUTE YOU! Safari salama,” Itumbi concluded.