Monica Waithera Chege: The Woman Behind Popular Wakalucy Fish Palace

Nairobi entrepreneur Monica Waithera Chege, popularly known as Wakalucy, was the founder of Wakalucy Fish Palace, a food business that became known for its fish dishes and several outlets across Nairobi and its environs.

Chege built the Wakalucy brand around fresh fried and wet-fry fish served with ugali and traditional accompaniments, and other popular meals, including chicken, ugali and chips.

According to reports, Wakalucy outlets served more than 2,000 customers daily across its various locations.

By 2023, the business was also reported to have more than 32 employees, providing employment opportunities to workers in the hospitality and food sector.

Over the years, her business expanded to several locations across Nairobi and neighbouring areas.

One of its best-known outlets was the Kasarani branch at Club Carwash along Kasarani-Mwiki Road, which became a familiar Wakalucy brand location along the Thika Road and Eastern Bypass corridor.

Wakalucy also had an outlet in Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass, while another branch was located along Mirema Drive in Roysambu.

Other locations associated with the Wakalucy network included Kiambu Road, Ruiru and Juja.

Her death was announced on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with customers, friends and members of the public taking to social media to mourn the entrepreneur and remember the business she built.

How Wakalucy Became a Popular Name

Waithera built Wakalucy from her own idea and passion for the food business, eventually turning it into a recognised name among fish lovers.

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According to Facebook influencer Kennie Balo, who confirmed her death, the Wakalucy name represented more than just a place where people went to eat.

“For many, Wakalucy was simply a place to enjoy good food. But behind that name was a woman with a dream, a vision and a passion for what she did,” Balo said.

Balo said her vision helped transform Wakalucy into a business that became known and loved by many.

Customers Remember Monica Waithera

Following news of her death, several people took to social media to share memories of the late entrepreneur.

Paul Neko described Waithera as a humble, soft-spoken, friendly, and respectful woman.

He also remembered her for the opportunities her business created, saying Wakalucy employed many Kenyans and provided people with a source of income.

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Neko said he had eaten at Wakalucy Fish Palace a day before her death, making the news particularly difficult for him.

“Yesterday I ate fish at WAKALUCY FISH PALACE. Today, I am mourning the woman behind it,” he wrote.

Neko said Waithera’s impact extended beyond the meals served at her establishments, pointing to the livelihoods supported by the business.

Balo similarly reflected on what Waithera leaves behind, describing her journey as one that touched the lives of many people.

“Rest well, mama. You came, you built, you touched lives, and now you have left a legacy behind,” Balo wrote.

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Collage Photo showing Monica Chege, Wakalucy founder and her business . Photo File