The pain of losing a child was visibly etched on the face of Priscilla Murungi as she struggled to come to terms with the sudden death of her daughter, Anita Kendi, who passed away last week after a short illness.
Speaking during an emotional tribute, the grieving mother broke down repeatedly as she eulogised her daughter, describing the loss as unbearable and impossible to fully comprehend.
Priscilla, the wife of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, said she still found it difficult to understand why her daughter had left “so early and without warning.”
Fighting back tears, she said Anita’s death had left a void that words could not explain.
“I can only pray and hope that you are in a better place as we continue to endure the unbearable pain of losing you,” she said softly.
The emotional atmosphere deepened as her voice began to crack while addressing family and mourners gathered to honour Anita’s memory.
Priscilla prayed for strength and comfort for the family as they navigate the painful season of grief.
“I pray that God will comfort us as a family,” she said before pausing briefly, overcome by emotion.
As tears rolled down her cheeks, the grieving mother recalled the treasured moments she shared with her daughter, saying those memories would remain with her forever.
“Hopefully, time will help reduce the pain. Personally, I know that the scar will always be there. Every time I remember you, I will always remember those beautiful smiles, warm hugs, and intimate moments we shared to help me move on,” she said.
At one point, her voice completely broke as she admitted that life would never feel the same again after losing her daughter.
“I am sure that my life will never be the same again,” she said emotionally.
In perhaps the most heartbreaking moment of her tribute, Priscilla directly addressed her late daughter, expressing the deep love and longing she still carried in her heart.
“Wherever you are, just know that I’ll miss you,” she said while weeping.
Moments later, overcome by sorrow and despair, she tearfully added, “I will always love you. Rest in peace, my dear daughter.”
Anita Kendi’s sudden death has left family, relatives and friends in mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in from leaders and those who knew her.
Recounting the final moments of his daughter Anita Kendi, former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi said she fell ill shortly after attending a conference of African women researchers at Windsor Hotel in Nairobi.
Kiraitu said Anita complained of headache, nausea and vomiting before she was taken to hospital for tests and treatment.
After returning home, she appeared to improve and went to sleep, saying she wanted to return to the conference the next day.
However, at around 4 am, the family rushed her to The Nairobi Hospital after she developed complications, where doctors later confirmed she had no pulse.
“The doctor later came back and told me she had no pulse. And so that’s the story. It was that bad,” Kiraitu said emotionally.