BUSINESSMAN Dr. Chris Kirubi who is also the Chairman of Capital Group Limited is dead, the family has confirmed.
According to the family, the 80 year old businessman popularly known as CK passed away at 1pm on Monday, June 14, following a long battle with cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Christopher J. Kirubi (1941-2021) who passed away today, Monday the 14th of June, 2021 at 1pm at his home after a long battle with cancer fought with fortitude, grace and courage. He was surrounded by his family,” said the family, in a statement.
The Businessman posted a tweet this morning before he passed away in the afternoon.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of the late Kirubi.
In his message the head of state mourned CK as a seasoned businessman, entrepreneur
“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 mourned.
The President mourned the late Kirubi as a successful mentor and coach who helped raise a generation of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.
“Besides his celebrated business acumen, Kenya will remember Chris a great coach and business mentor who raised some of our country’s best businessmen and corporate leaders,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State eulogised Mr Kirubi as a cheerful, approachable and accessible corporate leader who loved people and interacted with all Kenyans.
“Chris was one of the most accessible corporate leaders Kenya has ever produced. He interacted with everybody and would show up in places where he was least expected. He interacted with Kenyans, especially the youth, on his radio shows, public appearances and writings, through which he shared his experiences in business and life,” President Kenyatta recalled.
“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 mourned.
Alongside running a successful business empire, the President mourned the late Kirubi as a successful mentor and coach who helped raise a generation of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.
“Besides his celebrated business acumen, Kenya will remember Chris a great coach and business mentor who raised some of our country’s best businessmen and corporate leaders,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State eulogised Mr Kirubi as a cheerful, approachable and accessible corporate leader who loved people and interacted with all Kenyans.
“Chris was one of the most accessible corporate leaders Kenya has ever produced. He interacted with everybody and would show up in places where he was least expected. He interacted with Kenyans, especially the youth, on his radio shows, public appearances and writings, through which he shared his experiences in business and life,” President Kenyatta recalled.
Mr Chris Kirubi, a billionaire businessman and an alumnus of Friends School Kamusinga High School in Bungoma County, is associated with some of Kenya’s leading corporates among them Centum Investments, Haco Industries and Capital Group among many others.
President Kenyatta prayed to God to grant the family, friends, relatives and staff of Mr Kirubi peace during this difficult period of mourning.
Through his twitter handle, the Deputy President Hon William Ruto described the late Kirubi as an irrepressible boardroom operative, media personality, developer and investor whose interests traversed multiple sectors and enterprises.
Former Prime Minister and ODM Party leader Hon Raila Odinga, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya party leader led the opposition in condoling with the family of the late businessman.
Raila in his condolences message eulogized Kirubi as not only a businessman but also a friend whose philanthropic work changed the lives of many.
Kalonzo on his part said Kirubi has built a lasting legacy and went on to rekindle his Monday morning message that came hours before his death.
Mudavadi remembered Kirubi as a humorous and avid golfer who also participated actively on matters of national importance.
Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wentang’ula on his part sent condolences to the family:
Kirubi was diagnosed with Cancer in 2017.
His battle with cancer since then saw him reduce his interactions with people to avoid contracting germs.
Kirubi invested in manufacturing, media, real estate, insurance and investment sectors. He is the owner of the popular radio station Capital Fm.
He served as the Chairman of Coca-Cola Nairobi Bottlers, DHL Worldwide Express, Capital Media Group, International House Limited, and Smart Applications International among others. He was Deputy Chairman of Bayer East Africa Limited.
According to blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, Kirubi is associated with the collapse of many blue-chip companies
Until his death, he served on the Harvard Global Advisory Council (Massachusetts, USA) as an advisor on education matters of Africa.
He leaves behind two children namely Mary-Ann Musangi and Robert Kirubi.
