Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the burial of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua’s father, Mwalimu Jackson Karua, in Kirinyaga on Saturday, October 3, 2026/XSpeaking on Saturday during the funeral service of the late Mwalimu Jackson Karua at Mugumo Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Uhuru said Kenyans would ultimately decide who should lead the country.
"My only wish is for Kenya to move forward as a united nation. I have no other agenda. You, the people of Kenya, will decide who should lead you," he said.
Uhuru joined Mama Josephine Karua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, members of the extended Karua family, friends and mourners in celebrating the life of Mwalimu Jackson.
In his eulogy, the retired President described Mwalimu Jackson as a man of deep faith whose life was defined by service, family and values that extended beyond his immediate community.
He conveyed his condolences to the family and acknowledged the pain that comes with losing a parent.
"Losing a father is never easy. It is a painful experience, particularly for those closest to him. We know that this is a tremendous loss, especially for the family," Kenyatta said.
He urged the family to draw strength and comfort from Mwalimu Jackson’s enduring faith in God.
Uhuru said the late Mwalimu Jackson’s faith offered hope to the family even in grief. He added that his belief in God and the testimony shared during the funeral service reflected the life he lived.
Mwalimu Jackson was also remembered as a fair, firm and disciplined man whose straightforward character and strong values were reflected in the lives of his children and those he taught.
The funeral brought together leaders from across the country, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
In a separate condolence message, Uhuru expressed deep sorrow following the death of 17 Catholic pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani, Mombasa.
The pilgrims died in a road accident at Salama along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway while travelling to Subukia for the National Prayer Day.
Kenyatta extended his condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, fellow parishioners and the wider Catholic community in Mombasa and across the country.
"I pray that God grants the families strength and comfort as they mourn their loved ones, and that He grants eternal rest to the departed. My thoughts and prayers are also with those who were injured and are receiving medical attention," he said.
