On a Sunday like this, March 2, 1975, JM Kariuki was assassinated—a death that made headlines not only for the tragedy itself but also for the strange events surrounding that day.
Among the many rumors was a claim that he had been in Zambia after mysteriously disappearing for hours, despite his family knowing he was unwell and at home the last time they saw him.
His body was later found in Ngong Forest and taken to the City Mortuary.
Terry Kariuki, JM’s widow, recalled the moment she saw him last: “I remember I went there, and the door swung open, and who was there? It was JM Kariuki. Then we went to Parliament together.”
Since his death, the killers of JM Kariuki have never been caught or publicly identified, despite investigations being carried out.
“Those who killed JM Kariuki know they took away our father, our husband, and even a grandfather to his grandchildren,” Terry Kariuki added.
Though his death remains a painful memory, the family also remembers JM as a charismatic and down-to-earth man, deeply loved by the people and passionate about his country.
Doris Kariuki, another of JM’s widows, shared a personal anecdote: “We met him, and he told me he would marry me. We went, and I asked him who would speak, and he said, ‘I will.’ He negotiated his own dowry.”
His daughter, Ann Marie Wanjiku, reflected on his generosity and love for life: “He loved hosting parties and entertainment. He was a generous giver. To this day, we are surprised at how he helped people.”
JM’s children are calling for their father to be recognized by the National Youth Service (NYS) as one of its founders, while politicians continue to advocate for the current leadership to follow his example.
John Sekou Toure, JM’s son, expressed his admiration: “I am the son of a father whose legacy is alive. To me, he was simply a hero. It’s time for history to acknowledge him and the foundation he laid.”
Safina Party leader Jimmy Wanjigi echoed those sentiments, quoting one of JM’s most famous statements: “You cannot have a country with 10 millionaires and 10 million poor people.” He added, “Today, the oppression he spoke of is still there. JM was killed for telling the truth.”
