Lucy Weru is a prominent businesswoman from Nyeri County known for owning the famous Karatina Tourist Lodge. She attracted national attention during the 2007 General Election campaigns after chasing former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his allies from her hotel in Karatina.
Weru comes from a wealthy and influential family. She is also the mother-in-law of city lawyer Donald Kipkorir, who is engaged to her daughter Noni Weru. Her late husband once served as chairman of the Karatina Town Council. The family is linked to several high-profile individuals, including retired President Mwai Kibaki through marriage ties.
Apart from Karatina Tourist Lodge, Weru’s family reportedly owns several properties and businesses, including Maathai Supermarkets and a building in Nairobi’s CBD. She is considered one of the notable wealthy entrepreneurs from the Mt Kenya region.
The dramatic incident involving Raila Odinga happened when the ODM leader visited Nyeri for a burial ceremony before heading to the lodge for lunch. Weru reportedly ordered him and his team out, saying she did not want politics conducted at her hotel.
Years later, Odinga publicly stated that he had forgiven Weru and was ready to reconcile with her.