Ex-President Mwai Kibaki's brother collapses and dies

Former President Mwai Kibaki's elder brother has died.

Mr Bernard Nderitu died at 11am on Madaraka Day at his home in Iriani, Othaya, Nyeri County.

According to his wife, Martha Njeri, the only person in the house at the time of his death, they had just taken breakfast when he excused himself to go to the bathroom but suddenly collapsed near the door.

"I heard a loud bang as if something had fallen. I rushed to the bathroom and found him on the floor,” she told Nation.co.ke on Tuesday.

The 88-year-old man was admitted to a Nairobi hospital in January and was treated for two weeks for pneumonia and put on medication.

STRICT DISCIPLINARIAN

He had been taking the prescribed drugs until his death.

Family members said he had responded well to the medication and his death came as a shock to them.

They said Mr Nderitu attended a family function on Sunday and did not complain of any pain or discomfort.

His firstborn son, John Kibaki, said Mr Nderitu was always in and out of hospital during chilly weather due to pneumonia.

He described his father as a strict disciplinarian who instilled hard work in his children at a tender age.

EIGHT CHILDREN

“He nurtured us in the best way. He encouraged us to do things without much supervision. We will miss him,” he said.

Funeral arrangements have started at his home in Iriani, with friends and relatives, including Othaya MP Mary Wambui, visiting to give their condolences to the family.

Mr Nderitu has left behind eight children — four daughters and four sons.

His body is lying at the Outspan Nyeri Funeral Home.