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Terry Wanjiru Kariuki was the widow of the late politician and activist Josiah Mwangi “JM” Kariuki.

According to her family, she was more than just the spouse of a national figure — she was described as “a light in her own right,” known for her compassion, resilience, and her role in preserving JM Kariuki’s memory.
Her death on October 30, 2025, was mourned widely; her life was celebrated at a memorial service on November 7, 2025, and she was buried on November 11, 2025 at the Kariuki family farm in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

During her burial in Ol’ Kalau, Nakuru County, Kalonzo Musyoka pledged to fight corruption “with the same determination that JM showed”.
He also vowed to serve the vulnerable with “the same compassion that Mama Terry demonstrated.”
Kalonzo framed JM Kariuki’s ideals — social justice, equality, and truth — as a moral compass for Kenya’s future, saying:

“As we honour Mama Terry’s memory … we must reflect on Kenya’s unsung hero, JM Kariuki … his famous words … were more than just a political statement; they were a call to conscience.”
He also called for historical injustices, such as political assassinations, to be addressed: “The injustices that the family of J.M. Kariuki … must be addressed.”

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed deep condolences, calling Terry a “committed matriarch … for her strength in holding the family of JM.”
He paid tribute to her resilience and her role in keeping alive JM Kariuki’s spirit and values.
Politically, Gachagua also used the occasion to strike at President William Ruto, suggesting that Ruto was “confused” by Kalonzo’s rising influence (especially in Nyanza) and warning that the opposition’s mission was to remove him from power.
He insisted their unity and opposition efforts were genuine, not a power grab: “Our only goal is to remove [Ruto] from office … we will plan later.”

The attendance of both Kalonzo and Gachagua at her burial is deeply symbolic. It suggests a political alliance or at least a moment of unity, with both leaders aligning around the legacy of JM Kariuki, who remains a powerful figure in the narrative of social justice.
Kalonzo’s vow to mirror Kariuki’s fight against corruption is also a clear message to his supporters and to the electorate ahead of the 2027 elections: he’s positioning himself as a moral successor.
Gachagua’s comments about Ruto show he’s not just paying tribute — he’s also using the occasion to send political signals, criticizing the president and bolstering the opposition’s unity.
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo, framed the burial as a moment to invoke historical injustices, calling on the country to reckon with past political violence and to honor Kariuki’s legacy.