Rosemary Koech Kimwatu had recently marked her 40th birthday, a milestone that came with years of professional success and a respected position in Kenya’s corporate world. But behind the public celebrations, she was reportedly dealing with depression and personal difficulties that had become increasingly difficult to manage.
According to Daily Post, Kimwatu, who was KCB Bank Group’s head of data protection, died at her home in Ngong on Friday, August 21. She was a mother of four.
Kimwatu had built a strong career in law, public policy and data protection. Before joining KCB Bank Group in 2022, she worked at Safaricom as a public policy manager. She joined KCB as a data protection officer and was promoted the following year to head of data protection for the entire group.
Her work focused on an area that has become increasingly important as businesses handle large amounts of personal information. Colleagues and people familiar with her work described her as committed to privacy, digital rights and responsible handling of personal data.
Despite her professional achievements, reports indicate that Kimwatu had been struggling with depression and other mental health challenges. Friends said she continued to appear happy in photographs and at work events, including during celebrations around her 40th birthday.
Her personal life was also reportedly difficult during the period before her death. Kimwatu had been married to Kevin Migwe Kimwatu, although reports said the couple had become estranged.
Photo Courtesy/Daily Post.
The breakdown of the relationship came as she was raising four children and dealing with the demands of both family and a senior career.
According to reports, Kimwatu was alone at her Ngong home when she died. Her death has since drawn attention to the often hidden nature of depression and the difficulties people can face when personal problems are combined with isolation.
Her family later asked the public to remember her four children and keep them in prayer. They also spoke about the love she gave to those around her and the memories she left behind.
Tributes also came from organisations and colleagues who knew her professionally. KICTANet, where she served as a board trustee, remembered her contribution to digital rights and her commitment to her work.
Kimwatu’s death has raised difficult questions about how people experiencing depression can remain outwardly successful while privately struggling. Her career, family responsibilities and reported personal challenges show that mental health difficulties can affect people regardless of their professional position.
Her death has left behind four children, colleagues and friends who knew her for her work and contributions.
