NAIROBI,Kenya, June 14 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of businessman Christopher John Kirubi who passed away Monday.
In his message of comfort, the President mourned Mr Kirubi, 80, as a seasoned businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist who founded and successfully ran some of Kenya’s largest corporations.
“I have received the shocking news of the passing away of my friend Chris Kirubi with alot sadness. The cruel hand of death has robbed our nation of a patriot whose enterprenuerial spirit, hardwork and determination saw him create some of our country’s largest enterprises which offer employment to thousands of our people,” the President mourned.
Alongside running a successful business empire, the President mourned the late Kirubi as a successful mentor and coach who helped raise a generation of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.
“Besides his celebrated business acumen, Kenya will remember Chris a great coach and business mentor who raised some of our country’s best businessmen and corporate leaders,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State eulogised Mr Kirubi as a cheerful, approachable and accessible corporate leader who loved people and interacted with all Kenyans.
“Chris was one of the most accessible corporate leaders Kenya has ever produced. He interacted with everybody and would show up in places where he was least expected. He interacted with Kenyans, especially the youth, on his radio shows, public appearances and writings, through which he shared his experiences in business and life,” President Kenyatta recalled.
Mr Chris Kirubi, a billionaire businessman and an alumnus of Friends School Kamusinga High School in Bungoma County, is associated with some of Kenya’s leading corporates among them Centum Investments, Haco Industries and Capital Group among many others.
President Kenyatta prayed to God to grant the family, friends, relatives and staff of Mr Kirubi peace during this difficult period of mourning.
Meanwhile former president Mwai Kibaki, also condoled with the family of the late Kirubi describing him as a close friend whose acumen as an industrialist and a businessman made him stand out.
Kibaki also hailed Kirubi’s exceptional eye for opportunities that left an indelible legacy bedecked with, among other elements, industriousness, determination and public-spiritedness.
“A man of notable charisma, Chris had a clear philosophy from which he derived his sense of purpose and style of engagement. His prodigious success was certainly not a result of happenstance. Chris was as strategic in his endeavours—be they running industries, media, serving the public or farming—as he was hands-on. As a mentor, he shared a lot of wisdom in his popular “Ask Kirubi” forum.” said former president Kibaki.
Former prime minister Raila Odinga also condoled with Kirubi’s family describing him as a friend and mentor to many Kenyans.
“Chris Kirubi was my friend and one to many others and a mentor to even more. He was a dedicated entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped scores of Kenyans over time. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. Rest In Peace Chris.” said Raila.
The family of the deceased confirmed his death revealing in a statement that, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Christopher J. Kirubi (1941-2021) who passed away today, Monday the 14th of June, 2021 at 1pm at his home after a long battle with cancer fought with fortitude, grace and courage. He was surrounded by his family.” read the statement.
As an investor, Dr Kirubi was invested in the Manufacturing, Media, Real Estate, Insurance and Investment Sectors of our economy. He was the Chairman of Haco Industries, and is recognised as one of Kenya’s first indigenous manufacturers having entered the manufacturing sector in the 1970s and for his many years of service and additionally had served as Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.
He was also Chairman of Coca-Cola Nairobi Bottlers, DHL Worldwide Express, Capital Media Group, International House Limited, and Smart Applications International among others. He was Deputy Chairman of Bayer East Africa Limited.
Aside from his personal work, Dr. Kirubi had been involved extensively with several African Governments. He served on the National Economic and Social Council which was responsible for crafting Kenya’s current blue print for growth, Vision 2030, under President Kibaki’s regime.
He worked with the Government of Ghana as a Board Member of the Investors’ Advisory Council and as Ghanaian Honorary Consul General in Kenya (2000 to 2008) and was the Honorary Counsel to the Republic of Mauritius in Kenya.
He was a passionate Ambassador for the Kenya Country Brand and served as Chairperson of Brand Kenya Board from March 2016 – December 2017.
He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised groups and was involved in a number of social causes. At the time of his passing, he served on the Harvard Global Advisory Council (Massachusetts, USA) with a view to advising the institution on education matters of Africa.
He also served on the Institution’s Africa Advisory Council honing in on specific needs of the continent and was a founder Council Member of the AU Foundation.
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