“A Quiet Strength Remembered”: Nation Mourns Terry Wanjiru Kariuki, Widow of JM Kariuki

The country is mourning the death of Mrs. Terry Wanjiru Kariuki, the wife of the late politician and freedom hero J.M. Kariuki. She passed away on October 30, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi. Her death has touched many, especially those who remember her as a gentle yet steady presence who supported her family and community with deep care.

The Kariuki family described her as more than the wife of a national icon. They said she was a light in her own right, a woman who lived with dignity and compassion. She is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. The family noted that she carried herself with quiet strength, offering love even in difficult moments. They recalled how she held her family together through both joy and pain, always remaining calm and firm.

Her life was closely tied to the legacy of her late husband, whose name is tied to the struggle for justice in Kenya. Yet, the family emphasized that Wanjiru also built her own legacy. They said she showed that courage is sometimes silent, revealed through patience, resilience and kindness rather than loud declarations. Her memory now stands as a reminder that acts of care can be powerful and lasting.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha also mourned her, describing her as a symbol of charity, compassion and endurance. He said she worked quietly to support the vulnerable and less fortunate, offering hope to those who needed it. Many who interacted with her recall her warmth and willingness to help without expecting anything in return.

A memorial service will be held at the family residence in Kilimani on Friday, November 7, at 3:00 pm. She will be laid to rest on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Kariuki family farm in Gilgil. As the family and the nation prepare to bid her farewell, many reflect on a life defined by grace, care and unwavering inner strength.