Wakalucy Fish Palace founder Monica Chege was laid to rest in Karaba, Mukurweini, Nyeri County.
Family, customers and entertainers gathered in Mukurweini to bid farewell to the entrepreneur, who died aged 46 after battling cancer.
Monica Waithera Chege, the founder of Wakalucy Fish Palace, was laid to rest at her rural home in Karaba, Mukurweini, Nyeri County, on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Chege, popularly known as Wakalucy, died earlier this month at the age of 46 after battling cancer.
Hundreds of relatives, friends, customers and entertainers attended her burial.
Mourners gathered to celebrate the life of the entrepreneur who built one of Nairobi’s well-known restaurant brands.
Over the years, her name became familiar to diners across Nairobi and its surrounding areas through the growth of Wakalucy Fish Palace.
Mourners gather in Karaba
Mugithi musician Waithaka wa Jane attended the burial ceremony.
He also performed in Chege’s honour as family members and friends paid their final respects.
The ceremony attracted people from different parts of her life.
Customers, business associates, entertainers and community members joined the family in mourning.
Before the burial, the family organised a candle-lighting ceremony at the Wakalucy Fish Palace branch in Kamakis.
The event gave customers, friends and well-wishers an opportunity to honour her memory.
Many attendees used the gathering to reflect on her contribution to the hospitality industry.
From a small fish venture to several outlets
Chege started Wakalucy Fish Palace as a small fish business at Carwash along Kasarani-Mwiki Road.
She gradually expanded the venture into a restaurant brand with multiple outlets.
The business grew steadily across Nairobi and nearby towns.
The Wakalucy name first became associated with Chege herself before evolving into a recognised restaurant brand.
Branches linked to the business included locations at Club Carwash along Mwiki Road, Mirema Drive in Roysambu and Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass.
The brand also expanded to Marurui, Kiambu Road, Ruiru and Juja.
Its popularity grew through fish dishes, diverse menu options and a strong social media presence.
The restaurants attracted customers from different parts of the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Tributes to a hospitality entrepreneur
Following her death, customers, fellow entrepreneurs and public figures shared messages of condolence.
Many praised her determination and entrepreneurial success.
Others highlighted the jobs and business opportunities created through Wakalucy Fish Palace.
Tributes also focused on her journey from a small fish venture to a multi-outlet restaurant business.
That transformation became a defining part of her legacy.
For many supporters, the Wakalucy brand remains closely tied to its founder’s vision and hard work.
Chege leaves behind a growing business, dedicated employees and a loyal customer base built over many years of service.
