Former Justice Minister Martha Karua on Saturday, October 3, joined family members, friends and loved ones in laying her father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, to rest in Kirinyaga County.
Karua shared an emotional update as the family gathered to honour the retired teacher, describing him as a beloved father whose life had left a lasting mark on those around him.
“Today, we lay to rest our beloved father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua,” Karua said.
She said the family gathered with gratitude for the years they had been privileged to share with their father, while acknowledging the support of relatives, friends and other mourners who joined them during the difficult period.
“With hearts full of gratitude for the life we were blessed to share with him, we gather as a family, surrounded by friends and loved ones, to honour his memory,” she added.
Mwalimu Jackson Karua died on Sunday, September 27, at the family home in Kirinyaga after a period during which relatives had noticed that he was becoming weaker.
Karua had earlier revealed that she travelled to Kirinyaga with her siblings on the day of his death to spend time with their father. The family sang one of his favourite gospel hymns during the visit before Karua began her journey back to Nairobi, where she received news of his death.
The exact age of Jackson Karua was not definitively known. Karua previously said he could have been between 96 and 100 years old, or possibly older, because the family did not have a confirmed record of his date of birth.
The deceased was a retired teacher and was remembered by his family for his commitment to education, discipline and strong values.
Karua has previously spoken about the influence her father had on her life, including his support for her education and career in law and public service.
A memorial service for Jackson Karua was held at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Thursday, October 1.
As the family laid him to rest, Karua said they would continue to cherish his memory and legacy.
“May his life and legacy continue to live on in all those he touched,” she said.