'Diligent businessman,' Ruto, Gachagua eulogise late Sabina Joy landlord Gerald Gikonyo
!['Diligent businessman,' Ruto, Gachagua eulogise late Sabina Joy landlord Gerald Gikonyo 'Diligent businessman,' Ruto, Gachagua eulogise late Sabina Joy landlord Gerald Gikonyo](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/126999/conversions/dp-og_image.webp)
Deputy Rigathi Gachagua during burial of prominent Nairobi businessman Mzee Gerald Gikonyo Kanyuira in Kangema, Murang'a County. PHOTO|COURTESY
President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have
paid glowing tribute to a prominent Nairobi businessman Mzee Gerald Gikonyo
Kanyuira for his passion for the business sector and commitment to serving the nation.
The President and his Deputy 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 the Deputy President on Saturday at Wanjerere primary school
grounds in Kangema, Murang'a County, the President 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 the real
estate sector.
For his part, DP Gachagua said Mzee Gikonyo will remain an
inspiration to many people in the business sector due to his achievements and humble beginning.
"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 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 a keen interest in the governance of Nairobi county,"
said Mr Gachagua.
He further announced that the MauMau roads project will be
completed.
In regard to the agriculture sector, the Deputy President
called on tea farmers to choose people with integrity in the forthcoming KTDA
elections.
In the 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.
Regarding politics, Mr Gachagua said he had succeeded in
unifying the Mount Kenya region and asked leaders to respect wananchi, stop
showoffs and work on the aspirations of the people.
"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.
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.
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