Leaders Pay Tribute to Terry Wanjiru Kariuki
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, along with a group of prominent leaders, visited the Kariuki family residence in Kilimani, Nairobi, to express their condolences following the passing of Terry Wanjiru Kariuki, the widow of the late politician J.M. Kariuki.
The leaders were joined by family members, relatives, and friends at the home, where they offered support during this difficult time. Gachagua shared a message on X, expressing his heartfelt sympathies to the family. He described Terry as a strong woman who kept alive the spirit and values of her late husband, J.M. Kariuki.
J.M. Kariuki, an outspoken legislator and champion of social justice, was assassinated in 1975. In his statement, Gachagua expressed deep sorrow for the loss of Terry, calling her a matriarch who played a vital role in upholding the legacy of her husband. “To the family of the late J.M. Kariuki, we join you in mourning your matriarch, Terry Wanjiru Kariuki. My deepest sympathies to you on this difficult moment. I pray for peace and strength during this difficult time,” he said.
He also emphasized that the late JM’s philosophy of justice and equality remains relevant even in today’s challenging environment. “We shall never forget the atrocities that befell those who stood for justice. We hail Terry, a committed matriarch, for her strength in holding the family of JM,” Gachagua added.
Terry passed away on October 30 while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. A memorial service was held in her honor on Friday at the Nairobi home. Attendees included Ex-CS Sicily Kariuki, former MP Maina Kamanda, and several elected leaders from the Mt. Kenya region.
In a statement following her death, the Kariuki family praised Terry, describing her as more than just the wife of a national hero. “She was a light in her own right,” the family said. They highlighted her quiet strength and endless compassion, noting that she remained steadfast through years of both joy and pain. “Through years of both joy and pain, she stood tall, holding her family and community together with love that never wavered,” the family stated.
They further emphasized that Terry’s life embodied courage, resilience, and faith—qualities that helped keep the memory of JM Kariuki’s enduring legacy alive.
Terry will be laid to rest on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the family farm in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The Legacy of J.M. Kariuki
J.M. Kariuki’s political journey began in 1946 when he attended a political rally where Jomo Kenyatta criticized the British colonial government’s treatment of native Kenyans. This early exposure to political activism shaped his commitment to justice and equality, which became the cornerstone of his career.
Throughout his life, Kariuki was known for his unwavering stance on social issues and his dedication to the rights of the Kenyan people. His assassination in 1975 marked a significant moment in Kenyan history, but his ideals continue to inspire many.