Jimi Wanjigi's father dies aged 92

The former Cabinet minister was an MP for over 25 years and held Cabinet positions ranging from Minister for Agriculture, Public Works and Tourism. 

He was also a recipient of the Elder of the Golden Heart of Kenya award which is conferred to statesmen. 

Among his achievements include developing the expansive open-air Gikomba Market in Kamukunji Constituency during his tenure. He was also instrumental in establishing the jua kali business sector in Shauri Moyo. During first president Jomo Kenyatta’s era, Maina was involved in settling thousands of landless citizens in his role as the Director of Settlement.

He joined active politics in November 1969 by-elections in Kamukunji which was occasioned by Tom Mboya’s assassination.

One of his notable speeches in parliament was in 1973 when he advocated for free primary education in Kenya, something that would be realised 30 years later. 

He also served in former president Daniel Moi’s regime as he was appointed as the chairman of Kenya Airways in 1979 before receiving a cabinet position as the Minister for Tourism and Wildlife four years later. 

In 1990, he was expelled from then-ruling party KANU for advocating for multi-party politics. Thereafter, he was arrested, interrogated and held at Lang’ata Police Station for three days before being taken to court but no charges were preferred against him. 

Maina joined Opposition politics and joined Kenneth Matiba’s Ford Asili faction whereby they unsuccessfully sought to eject Moi from power in the 1992 General Election. 

He later took over the Kenya National Congress party as a third party seeking to re-establish himself with the people but was unable to overcome the influence of KANU and Ford party. 

Following his exit from politics, he held the position as director of Carbacid Investment for 48 years before exiting in 2018. 

Here is James Maina Wanjigi’s biography

Born: October 7th, 1931, in Wahudura Village, Murang’a County.  

Date of passing: 28th June 2024 

Age: 92 

Father: Wanjigi wa Mucugia

Education and Career:

James began his education at Wahudura Primary School in 1938. He attended Kagumo Intermediate School in Nyeri in 1943 and, after passing the common entrance examination in 1947, joined Alliance High School, where he served as a medical prefect. He continued his studies at Makerere University in 1951 and later earned a master’s degree from Stanford University.

In his professional life, he started with the Soil Conservation Division of the Department of Agriculture, then joined the Faculty of Agriculture. In 1970, he was appointed Assistant Minister for Agriculture, launching his distinguished political career.

Key Achievements:

* Member of Parliament for Kamukunji (25 years)

* Minister for Tourism and Wildlife

* Minister of Public Works and Housing

* Minister of Cooperative Development

* First African Director of Settlement (oversaw the 1 Million Acre Scheme)

* First CEO of the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation

* First Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kenya Airways (introduced international and regional routes)

* Initiated and developed the Gikomba Market

* Initiated the first SOS programme in Kenya and Africa (1971)

* Chairman and Director of the inaugural Organisation of African Unity's All-Africa (1972)

Philanthropic Work:

* As President of the African Students Union at Stanford University, assisted in the settlement of leaders and students from Kenya's student airlift, including Tom Mboya and Dr. Martin.

* Initiated the project of reticulating water by gravity from the Aberdares to all homes in Kiru location.

* Initiated and chaired the building of Murang'a University.

* Established Kitamaiyu and Maina Wanjigi Secondary Schools.

* Started the Maina Wanjigi Foundation with the objective of restoring the 700-ha Dagoretti Forest.

Family:

Wife: Mary Wambui Wanjigi  

Children: Josephine, Jimi, Nancy, and Sani  

Grandchildren: Maria, Kesa, Muthandi, Maina, Maina Jr, Wambui, Wanjiru, and Kairu  

Great-grandchild: Wanjiru