KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Family members, friends, political leaders and mourners gathered in Kirinyaga on Saturday to bid farewell to Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
Mzee Jackson was laid to rest at the family home in Kathande, Gichugu, following a funeral service held at Mugumo Primary School.
His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives gathered to pay their final respects to the family patriarch, remembered for his commitment to education, prayer and family.
Martha Karua reflected on the lessons her father passed on to his children and the memories they shared throughout his life.
“What he taught us, the values he lived by, the stories we shared and the love he gave us will remain woven into our lives,” Karua said during the funeral.
Family Remembers Patriarch
Mzee Jackson’s great-grandchildren also paid tribute to him, remembering their “Guka” as a loving family man who led prayers, encouraged them in their studies and brought joy to family gatherings.
The family described him as an educator whose influence extended across generations.
His commitment to prayer and education, as well as his role in bringing the family together, featured prominently during the tributes.
Uhuru, Kalonzo, Sifuna Attend
The funeral brought together political leaders from different parties who joined the Karua family in mourning.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the ceremony alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and People’s Party leader Ndindi Nyoro, among other leaders.
The leaders joined relatives, friends and members of the local community in paying their respects to Mzee Jackson and offering condolences to the Karua family.
Matiang’i said leaders had gathered to stand with Karua and her family during their period of mourning.
“Today, I joined my sister Hon. Martha Karua, her family, friends and fellow Kenyans at Mugumo Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, for the funeral service of her beloved father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua,” Matiang’i said.
“Together with leaders from across the country, we stand with the Karua family in prayer and solidarity as they lay their patriarch to rest. May the Lord comfort the family, and may Mwalimu Jackson Karua rest in eternal peace,” he added.
Karua Recalls Final Moments With Father
Karua had earlier announced the death of her father, saying he died on September 28 after she and her siblings spent time with him at his home in Kirinyaga.
She said the family had sung his favourite gospel hymn during their visit, unaware that it would be their final song together.
“On my way back to Nairobi, I received the news that my beloved father had breathed his last,” Karua said when announcing his death.
The former Justice Minister said she remained grateful for having been able to sit beside her father and spend time with him shortly before his death.
“There is never really an age at which you are prepared to say goodbye to someone who has been part of your life from the very beginning,” she said.
Mzee Jackson was laid to rest as a family patriarch whose influence was remembered through the generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren he left behind.
