Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has vowed to fight graft with the same energy and zeal as veteran politician the late Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, who was assassinated on March 2, 1975.

Until his demise, JM Kariuki was a socialist politician during the administration of the late President Jomo Kenyatta’s government. He held different government positions from Kenya’s independence in 1963 until his life was cut short in 1975.

Speaking during JM Kariuki’s third wife, Terry Wanjiru’s burial in Ol’ Kalau, Nakuru, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Kalonzo Musyoka made a vow to follow in the footsteps of JM as he eyes the country’s presidency in 2027.

Emulating JM Kariuki

”Today in Ol’ Kalau, I make this promise: that I will fight corruption with the same determination that JM showed; will serve the vulnerable with the same compassion that Mama Terry demonstrated; will seek truth and justice even when it seems impossible; will build unity across all our communities; and that I will preserve the memory of those who sacrificed for our independence and freedoms,” Musyoka said.

Kalonzo Musyoka also hailed the departed, alongside JM Kariuki’s two other wives, Mama Nyambura and Mama Mwikali, for ensuring that the politician’s clarion call of social justice and equality would never be forgotten.

”As we honour Mama Terry’s memory today, we must reflect on Kenya’s unsung hero, JM Kariuki. Josiah Mwangi Kariuki was not merely a politician; he was a champion of social justice whose words continue to challenge us today. His famous words, “We do not want a Kenya of ten millionaires and ten million beggars,” were more than just a political statement; they were a call to conscience,” Kalonzo added.

JM Kariuki’s legacy

Kalonzo described JM Kariuki as a leader whose vision was rooted in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for every Kenyan. The Wiper Party leader also said JM was categorical on key matters such as: Economic Justice: A Kenya where prosperity would be shared by all citizens, not a few. Social Equity: A society where one’s background and ethnicity would not determine one’s destiny and access to opportunity. Political Integrity: Leadership accountable to the people, not to personal interests. National Unity: A country where diversity would be our strength, not our weakness.

As someone who has served in both government and opposition, Kalonzo Musyoka vowed to draw inspiration from JM.