Former woman MP Beatrice Nkatha dies after long illness

Former Tharaka Nithi County Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha was hailed as a leader who shunned controversy and brought development to her county. [File, Standard]

Former Tharaka Nithi County Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha is dead.

Nkatha, who served for two terms between 2013 and 2022, died at St Theresa's Mission Hospital Kiirua in Meru County.

The hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Sister Agnes Nkatha, confirmed the news of her death.

Sources said Nkatha, who hails from Chuka-Igambang'ombe Sub County in Tharaka Nithi, had been sick for a while.

Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki, Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara and Assembly Speaker John Mbabu are among the leaders who have mourned the late MP.

The former legislator was eulogised as a leader who shunned controversy and positively impacted the communities she served.

Governor Njuki said he had received the news with sadness, even as he remembered her impactful contributions to development of the county.

"Honourable Beatrice served our great county with admirable grace and diligence. She will be fondly remembered for her impactful contributions, specifically among women in leadership positions."

Mr Murugara said, "I am very saddened to have just learnt of the passing on of a Tharaka Nithi legend, honourable Beatrice Nkatha. A gentle lady par excellence, she served our county with distinction. Totally noncontroversial, suave, amiable and affable, honourable Beatrice strode Tharaka Nithi like a colossus. She will be missed by all.”