Gachagua showers late JM Kariuki with praise as his widow is laid to rest
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised the late Josiah Mwangi ‘JM’ Kariuki as his widow, Terry Wanjiru Kariuki, was laid to rest in Gilgil on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
In his tribute, Gachagua expressed sympathy to Mama Terry’s family and all Kenyans still inspired by JM Kariuki’s fight for social justice and equality.
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Gachagua described the funeral as an emotional moment, reflecting on the enduring legacy of JM Kariuki, Kenya’s fearless patriot, who was assassinated 50 years ago.
He acknowledged the pain of JM Kariuki’s loss while warning that political forces seeking to dominate and betray the people’s interests remain active.
He urged a new generation to rise and carry forward JM Kariuki’s ideals of economic emancipation and fairness in society.
“In Gilgil today, as we laid to rest Mama Terry Kariuki, the widow of Kenya’s fearless patriot Hon. JM Kariuki, assassinated 50 years ago, pain was insurmountable. Mama Terry JM may you rest well and God give comfort to your family, friends, and Kenyans left behind, still suffering what JM Kariuki stood for; an equal society where no one is left behind. As we bid you farewell Mama, we know traitors, oligarchy and political strongmen whose aim is to create political hegemony still do the JM betrayal playbook,” Gachagua stated.
Adding;
“Amidst tears, betrayal and great pain, we shall never forget what happened to JM. 50 years on, a scion must rise of JM and live to liberate Kenya and bring economic emancipation. Live on Mama Terry JM, live on JM Kariuki. Your ideals strengthen and give us hope for a better Kenya. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Rest in peace, Mama Terry JM.”
Terry passed away on October 30, 2025, while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
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Affectionately known as “Mama Terry,” she spent over five decades preserving her late husband’s legacy, quietly supporting his ideals and keeping his memory alive for Kenyans.
She was remembered by family and friends as a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, who carried both joy and sorrow with grace and strength.
JM Kariuki, born in 1929, was a prominent politician in Kenya’s early years of independence.
He gained national acclaim for speaking out against inequality, famously declaring that “Kenya has become a nation of ten millionaires and ten million beggars.”
His assassination in March 1975 remains one of Kenya’s most enduring political wounds, with his body found in Ngong Forest under tragic circumstances.
