Friends, family, and professionals are mourning the passing of Irene Nthenya Ndigo, who died on the morning of February 20th, 2026.
Irene was widely described as a woman of extraordinary intellect and accomplishment.
She previously held a high-profile executive position at Goldman Sachs in the United States and was also a founding executive at Renaissance Capital.
Her distinguished career on Wall Street earned her recognition in global financial circles before she made the decision to return to Kenya nearly two decades ago.
Reports indicate that in the period leading up to her death, Irene had been battling ill-health as well as financial challenges.
However, it is her final wishes that have sparked widespread public discussion.
In her will, Irene directed that only close family members attend her private mass.
She further instructed that her family should not receive visitors during the mourning period or hold meetings related to her passing.
Additionally, she requested to be cremated — a decision that has generated conversation given prevailing cultural and traditional burial expectations.
Her family has since honored her wishes as outlined in her will.
