Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a condolence message to Martha Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party, following the death of her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua. In a message dated September 28, Kenyatta described Mwalimu Karua as a man whose life was defined by principled leadership, dedication to education, and strong character. He said he joined the Karua family in mourning a man whose values, wisdom, and guidance had left an enduring legacy through his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.
Mwalimu Karua's death has drawn condolences from leaders across the political divide. President William Ruto described him as a dedicated teacher and servant who touched many lives through his work. Ruto said, "We join Martha, the Karua family, relatives and friends in mourning this loss and honouring a life of service." Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also sent his condolences, describing Martha Karua as a woman of courage and strength and urging her family to draw comfort from her father's life and the values he instilled in them.
Martha Karua announced her father's death on Sunday, saying she had visited him in Kirinyaga earlier that day with her siblings. They spent time together and sang his favourite gospel hymn before she travelled back to Nairobi. She said she received news of his death while on her way back to Nairobi, describing their final moments together as a deeply treasured memory. In her tribute, Karua described her father as a principled teacher who believed in education, good character, and doing what is right.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga recalled Karua's accounts of her father as one of her role models, saying he was a teacher who instilled in her "the values of honesty, respect and hard work". Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Democratic Party leader also mourned the death, while Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi sent a personal message to Karua, praying for strength, peace, and comfort.
Uhuru Kenyatta prayed that the Karua family would find strength and comfort in the memories they shared with Mwalimu Karua and in the enduring legacy he leaves behind. He said, "At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayer is that the Karua family finds strength, comfort and peace in the memories they shared with him and in the enduring legacy he leaves behind." Kenyatta added, "May Mzee's soul rest in eternal peace."
Kenyatta is not the only leader who has praised Mwalimu Karua's legacy in education. Many leaders have acknowledged his dedication to teaching and his impact on his students. His legacy continues to inspire many, and his memory will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
The outpouring of condolences for Martha Karua and her family is a testament to the impact of Mwalimu Karua's life and legacy. As leaders and Kenyans mourn his passing, they also celebrate his life and the values he stood for.
Key points
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with Martha Karua over the death of her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua.
- Mwalimu Karua's legacy in education and principled leadership has been praised by leaders across the political divide.
- Martha Karua has described her father as a principled teacher who believed in education, good character, and doing what is right.
