Africa-Press – Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta has honoured the wish of the late Dr Chris Kirubi’s family.
Kirubi’s daughter Mary-Ann Musangi while eulogising the father on Saturday, June 19, disclosed that she reached out to Uhuru who supported her idea of establishing a foundation in honour of the deceased.
Uhuru and Mary-Ann brainstormed when the Head of State visited the family to eulogise the deceased and pass his condolences to the family.
According to Mary-Ann, plans to establish the Chris Kirubi Foundation were well underway and this would ensure she fulfils her promise to carry on the father’s legacy.
“His Excellency did pass by the house and I talked with him and we talked about this foundation. I think I sold the idea well to the president.
“I promise to do my best and when I’m stuck I will seek those in this gathering. Your legacy will never be forgotten. I love you, daddy,” Mary-Ann mourned.
Kirubi, 80, passed away on Monday, June 14 past midnight after a five-year battle with cancer.
The foundation will support the Agriculture, Health (Diabetes and Cancer), Education, Mentorship and Technology (Innovations) sectors.
Before reading Uhuru’s eulogy, Transport CS James Macharia stated that Uhuru was always in awe of Kirubi who always accompanied him abroad to sign bilateral and business-related agreements.
“In an international forum, with international investors, where many people would not be courageous to speak, Chris would be the first to raise his hand.
“This personality is basically what has transformed individuals around his circles to the standards he desired,” Macharia lauded the billionaire.
He also read Uhuru’s speech:
In the passing of this powerhouse of a man, we have been robbed of a seasoned businessman, entrepreneur, industrialist, innovator and philanthropist whose influence spanned real estate, media, retail, charitable works, financial services, banking, among many others. Dr. Kirubi was also a celebrated mentor and role model with a passion for uplifting and supporting others
Death is not the end of the legendary Chris Kirubi. He is immortalised through his many achievements; the many millions of lives made better by his business brilliance, the billions of [Kenyan] shillings added to our economy through his innovative projects and the immeasurable number of ways he brought happiness in all our lives
An extract of the President’s speech read.
