Tributes pour in for the late businessman Chris Kirubi

President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning the late billionaire businessman Chris Kirubi who succumbed to a long battle with cancer on Monday.

According to the family, Dr. Kirubi passed away at 1pm on Monday, June 14, following a long battle with cancer. He was aged 80.

In his message of condolence, President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Dr. Kirubi 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 said in a statement.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto described Dr. Kirubi as one of the country’s most visible business personalities who inspired emulation and elicited debate among people of all walks of life.

“I join Kenyans in mourning the passing of one of the country’s most visible business personalities. Chris Kirubi was an irrepressible boardroom operative, media personality, developer and investor whose interests traversed multiple sectors and enterprises.  His presence and voice will be missed by many, and his colossal legacy, just like his towering personality, will continue to inspire emulation and elicit debate among people of all walks of life. May his family receive solace from Almighty God, and draw comfort from his memory,” said Ruto.

In a statement to newsrooms, Retired President Mwai Kibaki said the late Kirubi “leaves behind an indelible legacy bedecked with, among other elements, industriousness, determination and public-spiritedness.”

“Of the many facets Chris is known for in Kenya and indeed farther afield, his acumen as an industrialist and a businessman clearly stand
out. He was an entrepreneur per excellence and had an exceptional eye for opportunities that to some, were merely tenuous or even ethereal,” said Kibaki.

ODM Leader Raila Odinga described Dr. Kirubi as a personal friend, “dedicated entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped scores of Kenyans over time.”

“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,” said Odinga.

On his part ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi said: “My condolences go to the family of late, Chris Kirubi. He was an illustrious businessman who spoke candidly on matters of national importance, and the economy. A true patriot who told you as it is; without blinking. Over and above that he was witty, humorous and an avid golfer.”

“My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chris Kirubi. Death has robbed our Country a hardworking and industrious entrepreneur who impacted positively and touched the lives of many people. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka expressed: “My family & I are greatly saddened on the passing of Chris Kirubi. “CK” was the embodiment of entrepreneurship building lasting legacies. His last tweet this morning summed up his essence: “… Give yourself a go towards your success plan.” That he did. Rest now my brother CK.”

Here are more messages of condolence to the family of late Chris Kirubi:

Sad to learn of the passing of Chris Kirubi – a man who had a passion for our country and for sharing his dream with all of us. He encouraged me to stay focused when I became Govt Spokesperson & later Governor. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Shujaa pic.twitter.com/xJgsr3zSAx

— Dr. Alfred Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) June 14, 2021

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Industrialist Chris Kirubi who passed on today. Chris will be remembered as a philanthropist and a stute businessman.

May his soul Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/L5CxvfVDTU

— Gov. Anyang' Nyong'o (@AnyangNyongo) June 14, 2021

Chris Kirubi was a complete embodiment of the true Kenyan entrepreneurial spirit. Through his initiatives and a myriad of products, Chris touched many lives across many sectors of our economy. The country has lost a life loving industrial giant and a philanthropist. RIP DJ CK. pic.twitter.com/rk2T5nRJZ9

— Charity Ngilu (@mamangilu) June 14, 2021

I join the rest of the nation in mourning the passing on of Christopher John Kirubi. The late Kirubi was not only a visionary business man and established industrialist but also a philanthropist who believed in the Kenyan dream. pic.twitter.com/1LeImdiU7t

— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) June 14, 2021

In Dr. Chris Kirubi’s death the country has lost an accomplished industrialist and astute businessman. His contribution to the manufacturing sector in Kenya was enormous and his impact profound. @IndustryKE & @Trade_Kenya mourns a tower of influence and enterprise. Go well DJ CK. pic.twitter.com/mLtI7jYX2Y

— 🇰🇪 David Osiany, HSC (@DavidOsiany) June 14, 2021

My condolences to the family and friends of Chris Kirubi, an alumni of Friends School Kamusinga and business magnet. He was great indigenous entrepreneur who made a difference in many people's lives. May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/6BeQVkKPHs

— Sen.Moses Wetang'ula (@Wetangulam) June 14, 2021

To my friend Dr. Chris Kirubi …

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time
(Henry W Longfellow)

Thank you for your friendship & confidences. pic.twitter.com/NZrtR9p8J1

— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) June 14, 2021