A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Duncan Wangama, a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Wusi Kishamba Ward in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, as he mourns the loss of both his wife and newborn daughter within a span of just two weeks.
Wangama buried his beloved wife, Stella Wangama, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, following her sudden death shortly after childbirth. In a cruel twist of fate, the couple’s newborn daughter, Judy, passed away just three days later, on Sunday, July 20, and was buried the following day, Monday, July 21.
A Tragic Sequence
Local reports indicate that Stella died in the early hours of July 8, barely a day after delivering baby Judy via caesarean section. While the birth was initially successful, post-surgical complications tragically cut Stella’s life short.
Little Judy, left without her mother, survived for just under two weeks before succumbing to undisclosed health issues. The exact cause of her death remains unclear, but the devastating outcome has left the family and local community in mourning.
A Man Crushed by Loss
Images shared online show Wangama in uncontrollable grief, weeping openly during his daughter’s burial. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, the heartbroken lawmaker struggled to contain his sorrow.
“It is pain no words can explain,” one mourner said. “To lose a wife and a child so suddenly… it’s every parent’s and husband’s worst nightmare.”
Outpouring of Sympathy
Condolences have poured in from across Taita Taveta County and beyond, with fellow lawmakers, church leaders, and citizens expressing solidarity with the grieving father.
Community members have also called for better maternal healthcare support systems, citing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the fragile state of postnatal care in many areas.
A Life Shattered
As Duncan Wangama attempts to navigate this unimaginable period of grief, many are rallying around him—not just to offer words of comfort, but to underscore the depth of loss he has endured.
This double tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility, and the deep, often invisible burden borne by those left behind.
May Stella and baby Judy rest in peace.
