Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned leaders against showing off, demeaning and disrespecting Kenyans urging them to instead focus on working on the aspirations of the people.
Gachagua who Saturday attended the burial ceremony of Mzee Gerald Gikonyo Kanyuria, in Kangema, Murang’a County called on those in leadership to remain humble and quit showing off their wealth while informing Kenyans the government is collecting taxes to pay its debts.
“Those in leadership ought to respect the people and stop demeaning them. Remain humble. Some are showing off their monies despite saying that the Government has no funds and is collecting taxes to pay debts,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua said that he had succeeded in unifying the Mount Kenya region, adding that he will continue fighting for the interests of the people of the region.
Both the President and the DP paid glowing tribute to the prominent Nairobi businessman for his passion for the business sector and commitment to serve the nation.
They described Mzee Gikonyo who died at, 110 years as a dedicated and diligent businessman who oversaw the growth of Nairobi’s business sector during the colonial and post-colonial eras.
In a condolence message read on his behalf by Gachagua, Ruto eulogised Mzee Gikonyo as a fallen hero who will be remembered for his great humility, kindness, integrity and exemplary courage.
Mzee Gikonyo, who died last week in his sleep, ventured into business in 1930 as a hawker in Nairobi. Over the years he established a business empire, Rwathia Group of Companies, comprising investments in the City Capital such as Alfa Hotel, Magomano Hotel, Timboroa Hotel, New Kinangop Hotel, Rwathia Distributors beer distribution company- and other businesses in real estate sector.
Gachagua said Mzee Gikonyo will remain an inspiration to many people in the business sector due to his achievements and humble beginnings.
“His wealth was put together through decades of hard work and determination. He will remain an inspiration to many people,” Mr Gachagua told the thousands of mourners in his passionate tribute.
And since Rwathia village is known for producing top Kenyan business moguls, the DP said; “we have followed the people of Rwathia village and their determination in business, they are hardworking people and they only need a conducive environment for doing business. I am an admirer of Rwathia people over their determination”.
He also asked the business community to take a keen interest in the governance of the Nairobi City County to ensure there is a conducive environment and policies for their business investments.
“Since the business community has huge investments in Nairobi, they should take keen interest in the governance of Nairobi county,” said Mr Gachagua.
He further announced that the MauMau roads project will be completed.
Regarding the agriculture sector, the Deputy President called on tea farmers to choose people with integrity in the forthcoming KTDA elections.
On coffee sub-sector, he asked the management of cooperative societies to be prudent in financial management and avoid borrowing money without the authority of the crop growers. He said the Government’s decision to write off a Sh6.9 billion debt was part of the measures to revive the sub-sector.
Present were Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Moses Kuria, the area MP Peter Kihungi, Senator Joe Nyutu, Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Veronica Maina (Nominated Senator) and MCA’s led by the host Kamau Kagori (Rwathia ward), Grace City (Kanyenya-ini), Carol Njarara (Nyandarua) among other leaders.
Murang’a County Assembly speaker Johnson Mukuha, Corporate and business leaders led by businessman Peter Munga together with former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba and former Nairobi deputy governor Polycarp Igathe were also present.
