A Graceful Exit from a Life of Impact
Gladys Wairimu Kariuki, a beloved community leader, teacher, and widow of the late politician GG Kariuki, has died at the age of 80. Her death occurred on June 1, 2025, after a short illness. She spent her final days at a Nairobi hospital, surrounded by family and close friends.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life that touched many across Laikipia County and beyond. Though best known to some as the spouse of the late senator and cabinet minister, Gladys Wairimu had built her own legacy as an educator and women’s rights champion.
Early Life and Family
Gladys Wairimu was born in 1945 and raised in Kenya during a transformative period in the country's history. She later married GG Kariuki, a political giant in post-independence Kenya. Together, they raised five children and nurtured a large extended family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her home became a place of welcome and wisdom for many, especially in Laikipia, where she continued to engage in public life long after her husband's political career ended.
Champion for Women and Community
Beyond her family ties, Gladys Wairimu served as a powerful advocate for women’s leadership. As chairlady of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation in Laikipia, she worked tirelessly to advance the social and economic wellbeing of women in her region.
She also served as a local councillor and was widely respected for her honest leadership and community-oriented decision-making. As an educator, she influenced generations of children while teaching at Ngarenaro Primary School, and remained actively involved with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa.
Final Years and Legacy
In her final years, Gladys Wairimu continued to serve as a mentor to women and young leaders. She was often invited to speak at community forums and remained passionate about education and the preservation of family values.
Her death leaves a significant void, but her influence will live on through the people and institutions she helped build. Her life was one of quiet strength, service, and compassion.
A Farewell with Honour
Funeral arrangements are underway, with tributes pouring in from across the country. As her family prepares to lay her to rest, Kenyans remember a woman who embodied dignity, wisdom, and a profound sense of responsibility to others.
She will be remembered not just as a widow of a public figure, but as a matriarch, mentor, and model of community-driven leadership.
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