The leader of the People's Liberation Party (PLP), Martha Karua, announced the death of her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, on September 27, 2026. In a statement posted on her social media account, Karua shared that she had spent time with her father in Kirinyaga earlier that day, alongside her siblings. The family had traveled to be with him, sharing a moment that included singing his favorite gospel hymn together.
Karua revealed that she received news of her father's death while traveling back to Nairobi, just hours after leaving his side. She expressed her sadness and described her father's passing as a huge loss to the entire Karua family, including his grandchildren and the people whose lives he touched. Dennis Itumbi, a close associate, joined Karua in mourning her father, posting on Facebook that he leaves a strong legacy and a daughter who has a significant chapter in Kenya's history.
In her tribute, Karua painted a picture of a father who had shaped nearly every chapter of her life, long before the world knew her name. She recalled that her father believed in her long before she had achieved anything worth celebrating, supporting her through her school days, career in law, and public life. Karua remembered her father as someone who was constantly encouraging and a steady presence firmly in her corner through every season of her career.
Karua also described her father as a principled man who placed high value on character, education, and doing what was right. She spoke of him as a teacher by profession and a loving father by nature, someone approachable and generous, always willing to share his wisdom with those around him. According to Karua, the values her father instilled and the lessons he passed down will remain with the family long after his passing.
Mwalimu Jackson Karua's death comes days after Martha Karua celebrated her 69th birthday. Karua took her followers down memory lane with a throwback photo and a heartfelt reflection on the road that brought her to politics and success as a law practitioner. In her message, Karua recalled becoming a magistrate at 24, a responsibility and a title that felt significant at that age.
By her late twenties, Martha Karua had risen to Senior Resident Magistrate while raising a young family as a single mother, with the support of her sister and family. Her father's influence and support played a significant role in her early life and career. The family has not disclosed the cause of Mwalimu Jackson Karua's death or his burial arrangements.
As news of Mwalimu Jackson Karua's passing spreads, tributes and condolences have been pouring in from friends, family, and well-wishers. The PLP and other political parties have also sent their condolences to Karua and her family. Key figures in Kenyan politics have acknowledged Mwalimu Jackson Karua's legacy and his role in shaping Martha Karua's life and career.
Key points
- Martha Karua's father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, has died at the age of unknown.
- Martha Karua shared a heartfelt tribute to her father, describing him as a principled man who instilled valuable lessons in her.
- Mwalimu Jackson Karua's death comes days after Martha Karua celebrated her 69th birthday.
