Terry Wanjiru Kariuki, the widow of the late politician and activist J.M. Kariuki, has passed away in her late 80s. Terry Wanjiru, the widow of the late politician JM Kariuki. She died while undergoing treatment. The family confirmed that she died on October 30, 2025, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. In a heartfelt statement, the Kariuki family described Wanjiru as ‘more than the wife of a national hero; she was a light in her own right.’ They remembered her as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, who carried herself with quiet strength and compassion. “Through years of both joy and pain, she stood tall, holding her family and community together with love that never wavered,” the statement read. The family also reflected on her role in preserving the legacy of her late husband, noting that she embodied the spirit of resilience and kindness. When is Terry Wanjiru’s burial? Nyandarua governor Kiarie Badilisha joined in mourning, praising Wanjiru’s lifelong commitment to social welfare.
“She was an embodiment of charity, compassion and endurance,” he said. The governor also highlighted her support for the J.M. Kariuki Memorial Hospital in Ol’Kalou, calling her contributions a lasting legacy to the people of Nyandarua. “Her willingness to lend support towards its upgrading will forever remain a lasting legacy of her work, and that of her family, in Nyandarua. On my behalf, and that of the great people of Nyandarua, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family of Terry Kariuki,” Badilisha added. A memorial service will be held at the family residence in Kilimani on Friday, November 7, at 3pm, followed by her burial at the J.M. Kariuki family farm in Gilgil on Tuesday, November 11. Who was JM Kariuki? J.M. Kariuki was a prominent politician in the country’s history and a former Member of Parliament for Nyandarua North. He also served as assistant minister in the late former president Jomo Kenyatta’s government between 1974 and 1975. He died on March 1, 1975, when a bus he was scheduled to board for Mombasa was bombed.
His remains were later found in Ngong Forest by a herdsboy. What caused former US vice president’s death? Elsewhere, Dick Cheney, who served as vice president for two terms under former president George W. Bush, died on November 3 at the age of 84. Former US vice president Dick Cheney died in the presence of his family members. His family confirmed he passed away due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. According to their statement, Cheney was surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife and daughters, at the time of his death. Following his demise, flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff to honour his decades of public service.
By Nancy Odindo
