Leaders pay tribute to Michuki widow

Josephine Watiri Michuki, widow of the former minister for the Environment, John Michuki, who died on Wednesday aged 75, was a humble and hardworking woman but a political force in Kangema.

Despite the political and economic power her family wielded, she was at ease with the ordinary person.

This gave her great influence in Kangema constituency with some considering her to be the force behind her husband.

Her influence was witnessed last week when the man she endorsed in The National Alliance nominations easily won the ticket and is seen as a front runner in the September 17 by-election to replace her husband in Parliament.

A week to the voting, she told constituents that she had endorsed Mr Tirus Ngahu but they were free to make their choice.

Mama Martin, as she was fondly known by friends and constituents, wielded her power in a friendly and dignified manner.

She was thrust into national limelight when her husband was all over the media after being photographed wearing a torn sock.

Mrs Michuki managed to turn the embarrassing episode around the torn sock with a well-timed explanation and apology on behalf of her husband, and the incident is now fondly recounted as one which showed the Michukis were just a normal family.

Many acknowledge that it is because of her support that her husband maintained a firm grip on the Kangema seat for more than 20 years.

Scores of Kenyans mourned her death, which came about six months after her husband’s.

President Kibaki said she was a loving mother and grandmother, who was respectful, humble, peace loving and always sought to maintain strong bonds within her family.

The President said Mrs Michuki would be remembered for being steadfast in supporting her husband during his public service as an MP and minister.

Committed matriach

Prime Minister Raila Odinga described her as a strong and courageous woman who had demonstrated capability to step into her husband’s shoes and provide guidance on development and political issues.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said she was a prominent businesswoman who supported many development projects not only in Murang’a but also in other parts of the country.

“Mrs Michuki will be remembered as a committed matriarch who upheld family values and served with total dedication and devotion,” Mr Musyoka said.

Mrs Ida Odinga, wife of the Prime Minister, said Mrs Michuki was “a strong woman who inspired many women’’. 

Mrs Michuki died at the Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday morning.

“Mama passed on at 7am. She has been unwell,” said Mr Francis Michuki, her son.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta described her death as a big shock considering she lost her “love and husband, the indefatigable John Michuki” only six months ago.

“Mama Martin, as she was popularly known, was the rock of the Michuki family and a mother figure for many, including residents of Kangema which her husband represented for 25 years,” said Mr Kenyatta.

Mr Philip Imbaya, who has been the family cook at the Kangema home for 20 years, has been greatly touched by her death.

On Wednesday, the 40-year-old father of five said Mrs Michuki was like a mother to him.

“Mama Martin had a heart for widows in this area whom she encouraged and counselled,” said Mrs Elizabeth Njoki Mwangi, a resident of Kiamara village.

Mrs Mwangi said she had been friends with Mrs Michuki since 1973.

Her humility endeared her to the constituents who would visit the rural home and freely speak with their MP and enjoy delicious meals she prepared.

“She was a great mobiliser and would help unite women into groups where they would save money and divide it among themselves, she was so development minded,” added Mrs Mwangi.

She went on: “She died while Kangema was at a very crucial stage; we are yet to get an MP and we would have wished it to happen while Mama Martin was alive,” she said.