Gachagua mourns death of Jamleck Kamau’s mother

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has mourned the death of Mama Jane Wanjiku Kamau, the mother of former Cabinet minister and ex-Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau.

In a message of condolences, Gachagua described her passing as a deep personal and societal loss.

Gachagua praised the central role mothers play in society, noting that they are the foundation upon which families, communities and nations are built. He said their presence offers stability, love and guidance that shapes generations.

“Mothers are the cornerstone upon which homes, families, communities, and societies are anchored. Their presence provides stability, love, and guidance, shaping the very fabric of our lives,” Gachagua said.

“The loss of a mother, therefore, is not only a profound sorrow for the family but also a source of instability for the entire society.”

Gachagua extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Kamau, whom he described as a close friend, following the passing of their matriarch after a long illness.

“I extend my most sincere condolences to the family of Jamleck Kamau, former Cabinet Minister and my dear friend, following the passing of their matriarch after a long illness. I assure them of my support and unwavering companionship during this difficult time,” he added.

The late Wanjiku Kamau passed away at the age of 96. In her younger years, she worked as a nurse in Murang’a County, a profession through which she touched many lives both in her community and beyond.

She was widely regarded as a pillar of strength within her family and village, remaining actively engaged in community life even in her later years.

Gachagua also paid tribute to her commitment to education and mentorship, noting that her values and guidance played a significant role in shaping the character and public service career of her son.

“We are grateful for her dedication to education and mentorship, which helped shape Jamleck Kamau into the remarkable person he is today,” he said.

Wanjiku’s death comes just days after Jamleck Kamau announced his retirement from active politics. In a statement posted on his official Facebook account on January 22, 2026, Kamau said his decision to step back from frontline politics was due to circumstances beyond his personal control, but assured supporters that he would bounce back.

He thanked his followers for their continued support and promised to remain engaged with them.

Kamau served as the Kigumo MP for two terms between 2007 and 2017. In the 2022 General Election, he contested the Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a Jubilee Party ticket but lost to UDA’s Irungu Kang’ata.

In June 2025, he joined Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).