Monica Waithera Chege, the founder of Wakalucy Fish Palace, was laid to rest on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at her rural home in Karaba, Mukurweini, Nyeri County.

Chege, popularly known as Wakalucy, died earlier this month aged 46 after battling cancer and illness.

Hundreds of mourners, including relatives, friends, customers and entertainers, gathered to bid farewell to the entrepreneur whose name became closely associated with fish and hospitality in Nairobi.

Mugithi singer Waithaka wa Jane was among those who attended the burial and performed in her honour.

Before the burial, her family had also announced a candle-lighting ceremony at the Wakalucy Fish Palace branch in Kamakis, giving customers, friends and other well-wishers an opportunity to pay tribute.

Chege founded Wakalucy Fish Palace and built the business into a recognisable restaurant brand serving fish and other meals.

The name Wakalucy, initially associated with Chege herself, eventually became the identity of the growing business.

The restaurant is reported to have started from modest beginnings at Carwash along Kasarani-Mwiki Road before expanding to several locations in Nairobi and its outskirts.

Outlets associated with the brand included Club Carwash along Mwiki Road in Kasarani, Mirema Drive in Roysambu, Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass and Bypass Marurui. Other branches were also reported in areas including Kiambu Road, Ruiru and Juja.

The business built a customer base around its fish meals, restaurant experience and social media presence, helping the Wakalucy name become familiar to customers across Nairobi and the wider metropolitan area.

Chege’s entrepreneurial journey also attracted attention beyond the restaurant business, with her growth from a small fish venture into a multi-outlet brand becoming part of the story frequently associated with her career.

Following her death, customers, entrepreneurs, public figures and friends shared tributes, remembering her contribution to the hospitality sector and the opportunities created through her business.

For those who knew her, the Wakalucy name became more than a restaurant brand. It was closely tied to Chege’s own entrepreneurial journey and the business she built over the years.

She leaves behind a restaurant brand, employees, customers and a business story that began with a modest fish venture and grew into a recognised name in Nairobi’s hospitality scene.