Former Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha passed away on Thursday, October 17.
Nkatha is reported to have passed at Kiirua Mission Hospital in Meru where she had been admitted following a long illness. Her family has yet to make any official communication.
Taking to social media to mourn the ambitious Mount Kenya East Politician, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) hailed her as a visionary leader and a dedicated servant of the people.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we join in mourning the passing of former Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative, Beatrice Nkatha, a visionary leader and a dedicated servant of the people,” KEWOPA wrote.
Her unwavering support and championing of equality and women rights catapulted her to be elected as the first women representative of the Tharaka Nithi County in the 2013 general elections, a position she held for two terms until 2022.
“Nkatha’s unwavering commitment to championing women’s rights, empowering communities, and promoting gender equality leaves behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come. Her leadership and compassion will be deeply missed,” KEWOPA noted.
The Parliamentary Association, which brings together all the women MPs in the National Assembly then condoled with the Tharaka Nithi County community and the family and friends of Nkatha, “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the Tharaka Nithi community during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
Nkatha was also a fierce Kenya Kwanza advocate and an ally to the president. She was a part of Mount Kenya politicians who initially founded and campaigned for the newly formed United Democratic Party (UDA) and she helped spread its sensitisation in the Tharaka Nithi Region.
In 2023, Beatrice Nkatha was appointed as a Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) at the National Treasury.
Among other leaders who mourned her were Tharaka MP George Murugara who wrote, “RIP former TNC women rep and and a friend Beatrice Nkatha You were always happy to see me…I vividly recall this day,we were waiting for the then DP and now President William Samoei Ruto at Chuka Town, and you pulled my hand and told me..”My son, today I will report you to the Senator(now Interior CS Kithure Kindiki) Stop bashing your mother in the radio and social media!”
From that day, we became very good friends. May the Lord our God Rest your soul in eternal peace and comfort your family and friends,” He wrote.
