"Alilala na hakuamka": Pain as Kirinyaga man dies days after losing mum
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Martin, a medical laboratory scientist from Mwea, lost his mother Lucy Nyaga, a retired deputy principal, to illness earlier this year
- Days after attending burial planning meetings for his mother, Martin reportedly died in his sleep despite appearing to be in good health
- The mother and son will be interred together at their Mwea home on Friday, August 22, 2026, in a joint burial that has left the community stunned
A Kirinyaga family and their wider community are grappling with shock and grief after a man died in his sleep just days after losing his mother, with both now set to be buried on the same day.
Who was Lucy Nyaga?
Lucy Nyaga, a career teacher of English and Literature who later rose to serve as Deputy Principal of St. Mary's Mwea Girls School, passed away earlier this year following a period of illness.
She had spent decades in education, including stints lecturing at Kamwenja and Kigali Teachers' Training Colleges before moving into school administration. She retired earlier in 2026.
Her only son, Martin, described by those who knew him as calm, warm and sharp-minded, had trained in medical laboratory science after completing his secondary education at Nguviu Boys.
Martin dies while planning for his mother's burial
When his mother died, Martin threw himself into the task of planning her burial, attending meetings at ACK All Saints Mwea Township Church for several days to coordinate the arrangements.
Then, without any apparent warning, Martin died in his sleep. Those close to him say he had shown no signs of poor health in the days leading up to his death, making the loss all the more bewildering to those who knew and loved the pair.
The joint burial of mother and son is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2026, at their home in Mwea.
The story was shared publicly on Facebook by Rogers Munene, who had known the Nyaga family since his teenage years, when he frequently visited the staff quarters at Kianyaga High School where Lucy was then based.
Munene describes Lucy Nyaga
He described her as an "astute" teacher and a warm presence in the neighbourhood, and recalled how she would attend church events where he served in evangelism and leadership, always following up afterwards with encouraging words.
"Go well Nyagas" — read Rogers Munene's tribute to the family.
Munene wrote that Martin "pensively attended his beloved mom's burial planning meeting at ACK All Saints Mwea Township Church for a few days, and mysteriously lost his life in his sleep, after having been full of health."
He ended his tribute with a stark reflection: "Indeed, life is fickle."
Kibera mum dies shortly after leaving hospital
In another story, TUKO.co.ke also highlighted the story about the sudden death of Lilian Awino, a 37-year-old single mother from Kibera, whose passing left her three children orphaned.
Her illness and unforeseen departure have sparked a wave of grief within the community, as many reflect on the profound impact her absence would have on her young family.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.