PLP leader Martha Karua has announced the death of her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, describing him as a principled teacher whose influence shaped her life and public career.
Karua shared the news in an emotional statement after visiting her father in Kirinyaga on Monday, September 28, where she spent time with her siblings by his side.
According to Karua, the family sang her father's favourite gospel hymn during the visit, unaware that it would be their final moment together. She said she received news of his death while travelling back to Nairobi.
“We were simply grateful to sit beside him, to see him and spend that time together,” Karua said, reflecting on the moments she shared with her father before his death.
She described Jackson Karua as a man who supported her throughout the different stages of her life, from her school years to her legal career and subsequent involvement in public affairs.
Karua said her father believed in her abilities long before she had achieved positions that would attract public recognition.
“He remained one of my strongest supporters, always proud, always encouraging, and always in my corner,” she said.
Beyond being her father, Karua described Jackson as a teacher who placed a strong emphasis on character, education and doing what was right.
She said the values he passed on to his children would remain part of his lasting legacy, alongside the love and guidance he gave to his family.
His death, Karua added, had affected his children, grandchildren and the wider family, as well as the people whose lives he touched during his lifetime.
She said she would particularly miss his voice, counsel and encouragement, as well as the reassurance that came from knowing that her father was always available to support her.
Karua also acknowledged that losing a parent remains difficult regardless of age, noting that there is no point in life when one is completely prepared to say goodbye to someone who has been present from childhood.
The PLP leader concluded her tribute by thanking her father for believing in her and standing by her throughout the different chapters of her life.
“I am deeply grateful to have been your daughter,” she said, before signing off her tribute with the words, “Huruka thayu, baba.”
Jackson Karua's death comes as a personal loss to Karua and her family, who are expected to mourn the former teacher and patriarch while celebrating the values and memories he left behind.