In the quiet village of Kongo-ini, Kiharu, tragedy has cast a long and painful shadow over the life of Grace Wahu, an 86-year-old grandmother who has buried 12 of her family members, including eight of her own children — all victims of alcoholism.
Wahu’s heartbreaking story first came to national attention when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visited her after news of her immense loss spread across the country. But even after that visit, her suffering has only continued. In the past two years alone, she has lost four more relatives, among them her grandson, who was recently found lifeless by the roadside after allegedly consuming alcohol.
Each morning, Wahu wakes up to a painful reminder of her loss.
She says she spends her days staring at the 12 graves in her compound — the final resting places of the loved ones she once hoped would care for her in her old age.
“I raised them to take care of me,” she laments. “But now I am alone, struggling even to buy medicine.”
Her surviving daughter, Margaret Wairimu, says the family now lives in constant fear, never knowing who might be next. The repeated deaths have left villagers whispering that the family might be cursed, deepening their sense of isolation and despair.
Wahu, however, dismisses talk of curses and instead blames the rampant alcohol abuse that has gripped many rural communities. She pleads with the government and local authorities to take stronger action against the sale and consumption of illicit brews that are destroying families.
“Our youth are dying,” she cries. “If nothing is done, more mothers will live my nightmare.”
