Veteran politician Martha Karua is mourning the loss of her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, who passed away on Sunday, 27 September.
She shared the news in a formal statement from her executive office, describing a man who shaped her character and stood firmly in her corner throughout her life.
In the statement, Karua revealed that she had travelled to Kirinyaga to visit him alongside her siblings just before his passing.
During the visit, the family gathered around him and sang his favourite gospel hymn, a moment none of them knew would be their last together. She received news of his death while on her way back to Nairobi.
The man behind the iron lady
Karua painted a picture of a principled educator who never wavered in his belief in her. She noted that from her school days through her law career and eventually into public life, her father remained one of her most steadfast supporters.
His legacy, she wrote, was built not on material wealth but on character, education, and values that he instilled in those around him.
She extended her condolences to his children, grandchildren, wider family, and all those whose lives he touched during his years as a teacher and father figure.
The announcement drew an outpouring of sympathy from Kenyans, many of whom filled her comment section with warm words and messages of solidarity.
Kenyans console Martha Karua
Here is what they had to say:
@Hussein Abubakar:
“Poleni sana.”
@Kamau Watoria – Joseph:
“Sending my sincere condolences, Iron Lady 🙏🏾.”
@Sammy Nyaranga:
“My utmost condolences to you and your family at this trying moment. Martha Karua pole saana.”
@Arita Coaches:
“Poleni sana Mheshimiwa Martha. May God comfort you during this trying times”
@Mwirigi David:
“Mzee inspired and moulded a good leader, if Martha is iron then the father is the ore.”
@Allan Ouma Wabwire:
“Pole sana. Take heart. 😭”
@Moreen Morrah:
“Sorry Iron Lady”
Martha Karua, a former presidential running mate to Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election and a long-serving lawyer-politician, has long been regarded as one of Kenya’s most formidable political figures.
The loss of Mwalimu Jackson Karua marks a deeply personal moment for a woman who has spent decades in the public eye.
