KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba has died, with leaders led by Governor Anne Waiguru mourning him as a dedicated educator and public servant whose career spanned teaching and national politics.
He also served as a former Kirinyaga Central Member of Parliament.
In a statement on Monday, March 23, Waiguru described Karaba as a distinguished leader whose life was defined by humility, service, and commitment to education.
“We have lost a distinguished son of Kirinyaga, Hon. Daniel Karaba, whose life was defined by service, humility, and a deep commitment to education and leadership,” Waiguru said.
“Mwalimu Karaba built a remarkable career as a teacher, principal, and education leader before serving as a two-term Member of Parliament for Kirinyaga Central and later as Senator,” she added.
The governor extended condolences to the family, friends, and the people of Kirinyaga, noting that Karaba’s influence stretched across the region and the country.
“I join the people of Kirinyaga and the nation in mourning his loss, and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those he impacted. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Karaba was born in Kiamaina village in Kirinyaga County. He began his education at Kiamaina Primary School before proceeding to Kamuiru High School for his O-Level studies.
He later joined Kagumo High School for A-Level education before enrolling at the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
He built a long career in teaching, rising through the ranks from teacher to deputy principal and later principal in several institutions. These included Kagumo High School, Highway Secondary School, Kianyaga High School, Kirimara High School, and Njegas Secondary School.
Between 1984 and 1998, Karaba also served as Chair of the Secondary Schools Heads Association, cementing his reputation as a respected education administrator.
He joined elective politics in 2002 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Kirinyaga Central on a NARC ticket. He served two terms before losing the seat in the 2007 elections to John Ngata Kariuki. Karaba challenged the results in court.
In October 2010, the Supreme Court nullified the election, prompting a by-election in February 2011. However, he lost the repeat poll to Joseph Gitari.
Karaba later returned to politics in 2013, winning the Kirinyaga senatorial seat on a TNA ticket by a wide margin.
During his parliamentary career, he served as Chair of the Education Committee in the 9th Parliament. He later held the same position in the Senate during the 11th Parliament, where he championed education policy oversight and institutional reforms.
He also served as a member of the Committee on Delegated Legislation and the Committee on Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library, further contributing to legislative oversight and parliamentary operations.
