A parent's greatest loss: Navigating life after losing a child

On a quiet evening in Nairobi, a wave of sorrow swept through Dagoretti North as news spread that MP Beatrice Elachi had lost her beloved son. Elvis Murakana Namenya succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident.

His passing last week cast a heavy shadow not just over his family, but over the community that mourned alongside them. Namenya’s death was a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the immeasurable pain of losing a child.

For any parent, the loss of a child is an unimaginable devastation. From the fragile promise of an unborn baby to the boundless joy of a toddler’s laughter, or the quiet pride in a grown child’s achievements, the love of a parent knows no bounds. When that connection is abruptly severed, it leaves a void so vast it defies comprehension.

“The pain never truly leaves you,” explains Wanjiro Lisa, a psychologist and family counsellor.

“Losing a child is a grief unlike any other. It reshapes you, forces you to navigate a world where part of your heart is missing.” No age diminishes the intensity of that loss.

Mariam Ogembo learned this deeply when she suffered a miscarriage, losing her first child. She describes feeling betrayed by her body.

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“People said, ‘You’re young, you’ll have another,’ but they didn’t understand. I had already become a mother the moment I learned I was carrying life,” she recalls.

Media personality Willis Raburu has in the past shared the agony of losing his daughter due to birth complications. He once opened up about how grief engulfed him, leaving an unfillable void.

“I felt broken. I went for therapy twice a week, but it was an uphill battle. The hardest part was going back to work and putting on a mask for the camera. After every show, I’d cry all the way home,” he said.

In Meru, 28-year-old Nkirote Muthamia struggles with the loss of her toddler son Mwiti to illness. She remembers his radiant smile and playful energy. “He was my light,” she whispers, her voice trembling.

“For months, I couldn’t bring myself to step into his room. My mother helped me see that love doesn’t end with death—it just takes a new form.”

The pain of losing older children carries an added layer of anguish, one tied to unfulfilled potential. For Amisi Chokwe from Taita Taveta, the loss of his teenage son Juma in a motorbike accident was like a stolen future.

“He wanted to be a teacher, like his grandfather,” he says, his voice heavy with grief. “But even though his life was cut short, I see his goodness reflected in the people he touched.”

Some losses unfold under darker shadows, like the case of former journalist Sarah Wambui Kabiru, allegedly killed by her husband, journalist Moses Dola, in 2011.

Wambui’s family continues to grapple with the weight of her absence, even as the nation reflects on the pervasive dangers of gender-based violence. Her tragic death serves as a chilling reminder of how fragile life can be and the devastating ripples of violence on families.

As Somali elder Abdi Noor says; “There is no word in any language for a parent who has lost a child. That tells you this loss is immeasurable—beyond all other grief.” His words echo a universal truth: the pain of losing a child transforms but never truly diminishes.

For some, solace comes from cultural traditions and communal rituals that anchor grieving families. Among the Luo, burial ceremonies allow for storytelling, laughter, and remembrance, preserving the legacy of the departed.

The Kikuyu often plant trees to symbolise life’s continuity amidst sorrow. Such traditions remind parents that though their child’s physical presence is gone, their spirit endures.

Grief counsellor Lydia Mukami explains the significance of community in the healing process: “Grieving alone can feel isolating, but shared rituals remind parents that they are not alone. It creates a network of support, allowing them to feel seen and connected.”

Trauma expert Micheck Owalla adds: “For Elachi, communal support has come in waves — from colleagues, constituents, and friends who understand that, in grief, words are often unnecessary.”

For many parents, resilience emerges not from overcoming grief but from transforming it into purpose. After losing their teenage son in a road accident, the Odede family of Kisumu chanelled their sorrow into establishing a scholarship fund in his memory. This fund has become a beacon of hope, providing underprivileged students with opportunities to pursue education—a cause deeply important to their son.

“We couldn’t bring him back, but we could give other children the opportunities he would have wanted,” a family member says. Their initiative serves as a reminder that love and legacy are enduring forces, even in the face of immense loss.

The journey of grief reshapes families, often creating fractures and forging unexpected connections. Spouses may struggle to navigate each other’s grief, siblings wrestle with survivor’s guilt, and extended family members grapple with how best to provide support. Catherine Ochieng, a psychologist, highlights the transformative nature of parental grief. “It’s a profound reshaping of identity. While parents often describe their grief as endless, many discover an inner resilience they never imagined.”

Catherine says: “Parental love doesn’t end with loss—it endures, transforms, and becomes a powerful force for healing and purpose.”

A Guide for parents: Navigating the loss of a child

The loss of a child is a life-altering experience that leaves an enduring void. Whether it’s the unrealized dreams of an unborn baby or the treasured memories of an adult child, each loss is uniquely painful. For parents walking this difficult path, there are ways to find strength and hope in healing.

Embrace grief and allow yourself to feel the full weight of your emotions. Suppressing grief often prolongs the healing process. Whether it’s through crying, journaling, or sharing your feelings, embracing what brings you relief can help. Remember, healing isn’t linear—it’s a winding journey.

Honour their  memory. Celebrate your child’s life in meaningful ways, such as creating a scrapbook, planting a tree, or observing an annual remembrance day. These acts not only honor their legacy but offer comfort and connection to their essence.

Lean on support. Support from friends, family, and community can be pillars of strength during this time. Sharing your emotions or seeking assistance for daily tasks isn’t weakness—it’s resilience. Accepting support helps lighten the burden.

Seek professional guidance. Grief counselors and therapists can tailor coping strategies to your unique experience. Joining support groups allows you to connect with others who have walked a similar path and find solace in shared understanding.

Draw strength from rituals and culture. Healing rituals, such as storytelling or communal gatherings, offer connection and comfort. Traditions like planting a tree symbolise life’s continuity, bringing a sense of solace and renewal.

Prioritize self-care.  Grief affects both physical and mental well-being. Dedicate time to rest, eat nourishing meals, and engage in gentle activities like meditation or walking. These practices help nurture your body and soul through the healing process.

Welcome joy back into your life. Rebuilding happiness doesn’t mean forgetting your child. It’s about finding reasons to smile again—whether through hobbies, time with loved ones, or visiting places that bring peace.

Create legacy projects. Channel your grief into purposeful action, such as starting a scholarship, volunteering, or supporting causes your child cared about. Transforming loss into impact can be profoundly healing.

Give yourself time. Time doesn’t erase grief, but it offers perspective and growth. The pain may soften over months and years, giving way to memories that inspire hope and strength. Allow yourself to move forward while holding onto your child’s love.

Find strength in community. While loss feels isolating, many parents share this journey. Reading stories of resilience—online or within your community—reminds you of your own strength and the power of connection.Navigating the loss of a child is one of life’s most profound challenges, but with compassion for yourself and the support of others, healing is possible. While every parent’s grief is unique, their love is universal, enduring far beyond loss and shaping a future infused with purpose and hope.