People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has confirmed the passing of her father Mwalimu Jackson Karua who died on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Karua announced the death of the patriarch on Sunday evening after taking time off from her duties, leaving the country to go to Kirinyaga to visit her father. She and her siblings spent their final hours with him and sang one of his favourite gospel hymns as he took his last breath.

“Earlier today, I went to Kirinyaga to visit my father. My siblings and I spent time with him and sang his favourite gospel hymn, not knowing it was to be our last song together,” Karua said. “I received the news that my beloved father had breathed his last while on my way back to Nairobi.”

She described the last visit as one of the best moments they had together since he fell ill and said she was sad that it came too soon after she returned to Nairobi.

“My father was a principled teacher who placed great emphasis on character, education, and a life lived according to ideals,” Karua said. “He believed in me long before I delivered any of the results he so rightly deserved. To this day, he remains one of my best supporters in life.”

Karua noted that the man was more than a teacher and a family man who remained calm under pressure.

“But to us, he was a loving father, steady, generous, and ever-present,” she said.

She said the loss would be deeply felt by his children, grandchildren, family, and all those who had the pleasure of being taught by him and those whose lives he touched directly.

“I shall deeply miss his voice, his counsel, and his encouragement,” Karua said. “I will also sorely miss his presence and the solace of knowing that he is there for me.”

Many politicians and ordinary citizens sent their condolences to Karua and her family. President William Ruto said Mwalimu Karua was a great teacher who dedicated his life to teaching and serving the country through the power of education.

“Mwalimu Karua devoted his life to teaching and service, touching millions of lives through his work and leaving an indelible mark on generations of learners,” Ruto said.

Other well-wishers include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and many other political leaders. Karua ended her speech by saying that she will deeply appreciate her father for giving her life and teaching the family important values.

“To my father, thank you for believing in me, for staying with me, and for loving me through every stage of my life,” she said.

She concluded by saying, “Huruka thayu, baba,” as she bid the man a final farewell before the family announced the date and venue for his burial.