Renowned apple ambassador and founder of Wambugu Apples hospitalised

Renowned agribusiness entrepreneur Catherine Wambugu, apple ambassador and founder of Wambugu Apples, is hospitalised following a serious road accident along the busy Nyeri–Nyahururu Highway.

The crash, which occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, claimed the lives of two of her employees, identified as Teresia Mumbi Mwaniki and Dommie, both of whom worked closely with her at Wambugu Apples.

According to statements released by Wambugu on her verified social media platforms, the collision happened as she was travelling with her team.

“Hey good people, I just want to update you that I had an accident yesterday night along Nyeri–Nyahururu highway. I’m currently hospitalised, but fortunately enough, I’m okay," she said.

"Although I lost two good friends who are staff at Wambugu Apples, Teresa Mumbi Mwaniki and Dommie, keep me in your thoughts and prayers.”

Netizens have given different reactions on the matter, saying that maybe they would have been safe if they postponed the journey as advised by their great-grandmother in a viral video.

“You want to go back home now? It’s now 9 pm and we have a few hours left before dawn,” her godmother said in the video.

Catherine explained that she was lactating and had left her child at home.

She dismissed her godmother's efforts to keep her for the night by saying she only passed by to drop a packet of sugar.

Catherine “Kate” Wambugu is widely recognised as a leading figure in Kenya’s agribusiness sector, particularly in the promotion and commercialisation of locally grown apples.

She runs Wambugu Apples, a venture that has gained substantial traction both nationally and internationally.

Through engaging social media content and advocacy, Wambugu has become an influential ambassador for sustainable and profitable farming, inspiring many young farmers to embrace apple cultivation.

Her work builds on a long family legacy: the Wambugu apple variety was developed by her father and has since become a notable product in Kenya’s fruit sector.

Wambugu has also been involved in initiatives that encourage diversification of Kenyan agriculture and the expansion of apple farming both locally and abroad.

Wambugu’s family and close associates have not yet released a detailed medical report regarding her condition beyond initial reports, but continued updates on her recovery and funeral arrangements for the deceased employees are expected to be shared as information becomes available.

As Kenyans rally around Wambugu and the families of Teresa and Dommie, the agricultural fraternity has pledged to uphold their memory by continuing the mission of elevating Kenya’s agricultural productivity and supporting fellow farmers.