President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have joined Kenyans in mourning the death of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
Mwalimu Karua died on Sunday, September 27, shortly after Martha Karua visited him at his home in Kirinyaga.
The former Justice Minister said she had spent time with her father and siblings earlier in the day, where they sang his favourite gospel hymn, unaware it would be their final song together. She later received news of his death while travelling back to Nairobi.
President Ruto described Mwalimu Karua as a dedicated teacher who devoted his life to education and service.
Ruto conveyed his condolences to the Karua family, relatives and friends, praying for strength and comfort as they mourned his death.
Gachagua also sent a message of condolence to Martha Karua and her siblings, describing their father as an influential teacher who touched the lives of many people.
In a message shared on social media, Gachagua said Mwalimu Karua played an important role in shaping his daughter and her siblings, describing Martha Karua as a patriot whose contribution to Kenya’s post-independence history remains significant.
“My family and I join you at this difficult moment and deeply console with you and all your relatives, friends, and the people of Kenya on the loss of your dad,” Gachagua said.
He prayed for the repose of Mwalimu Karua’s soul and extended his sympathies to the wider family.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka also mourned Mwalimu Karua, describing him as Martha Karua’s beloved father and urging the family to draw comfort from his life, the values he instilled in his children and the memories they shared.
Siaya Governor James Orengo was among other leaders who sent messages of condolence to the Karua family.
Martha Karua described her father as a principled teacher and strong believer in education, character and doing what is right.
She said he had remained one of her strongest supporters from her school days through her legal and political career, always encouraging her and believing in her abilities.
“I will miss his voice, his counsel, his encouragement, and the quiet reassurance of knowing that he was there,” Karua said in her tribute.
She thanked her father for standing by and loving her throughout her life, before concluding her message with a personal farewell to him.
