Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara was among the scores of politicians who gathered in Nyandarua for the emotional final send-off of MCA Beth Wahito, who died in a tragic road accident a few weeks ago.
While delivering her tribute during the solemn ceremony held on Tuesday, June 1, 2025, Kihara took a moment to reflect on how devastated Wahito had been after learning of Gachagua’s impeachment, revealing that she broke down in tears.
Kihara told mourners that Wahito was deeply shaken by the development and could not come to terms with the political shift, saying the betrayal had wounded her beyond repair.
“Your Excellency, when these people impeached you, Wahito called me, and she cried too much,” Kihara said, her voice laden with emotion as she recalled the painful moment.
She went on to narrate how Wahito visited her home shortly after and confided in her that she no longer wished to continue in politics if indeed it was President Ruto who had abandoned Gachagua, declaring she could not stomach that level of betrayal.
According to Kihara, Wahito was deeply upset, having once thrown her support behind Ruto and personally witnessed the camaraderie he shared with Gachagua, leaving her unable to make sense of why the President would turn against him so abruptly.
“She came to my home and told me, ‘Jayne, I do not want politics anymore. If it is Ruto who has dumped Gachagua, I will not engage in politics again—because I no longer understand what politics is about.’ That betrayal, she could not stomach.”
Kihara explained that Wahito was so devastated by the unfolding events that she began to lose interest in active politics, repeatedly questioning the meaning and purpose of a career she had once embraced with conviction.
“And true to her words, she started losing interest in politics, and she kept saying she could no longer clearly define what politics meant.”
Wahito’s political journey
In her tribute, Kihara also took time to reflect on Wahito’s generosity and long-standing commitment to political causes, stating that despite being younger than her, Wahito had shown maturity and dedication in their shared political journey.
She reminded mourners that Wahito had been part of past struggles, including movements to free political prisoners, and noted that her contributions to Kenya’s democratic space were deeply rooted and unwavering.
“We have come a long way with her. She was very generous. Wahito was younger than me. When there was a movement to release political prisoners, Wahito was part of that struggle—she has been in political struggles for this country,” Kihara said.
Kihara also recalled lighter, personal moments between them, painting a picture of a friendship grounded in honesty and shared experiences.
She described how, during a trip to the United States, she bought two outfits, only to find that Wahito had quietly done the same, later asking if the MP had liked them.
Kihara said that Wahito, during her travels to India, even bought her clothes without being asked, showing a spirit of generosity that defined her both in public service and private life.
“When I went to the US and bought two clothes, she also bought the same and asked if I had seen them. She had even bought me more clothes during a trip to India.”
In her closing remarks, Kihara lamented the current state of politics, saying that people like Wahito were rare because they were never selfish, and yet now found themselves denied recognition and respect, despite their sacrifices.
“And now I hear we are being denied so much, simply because we are never selfish with what we have.”
