Mama Lucy Kibaki had been ailing from an undisclosed illness for quite a while before meeting her demise early this morning, while undergoing treatment at the Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London, where she had been admitted after being transferred from Nairobi Hospital.

She had initially been admitted at Gertrude's Children's Home after falling ill while at the family's home in Muthaiga. She was subsequently transferred to the Nairobi Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

A source who is close to the family said Lucy, who has been missing from the public radar since 2010, had been experiencing difficulty in breathing.

There has been speculation on her whereabouts and health status since 2012.

In 2014, Lucy was rushed to a local hospital after reportedly complaining of chest pains. She was taken to hospital by family members and admitted in St Teresa’s Ward.