Uhuru Kenyatta mourns Kenneth Matiba
President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) converses with Mr Kenneth Matiba at his home. Mr Matiba has died while in hospital. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Kenyatta said the late Matiba was involved in various businesses ranging from hotel and tourism sectors.
- ODM leader Raila Odinga termed Mr Matiba’s death as a personal loss.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned Kenneth Matiba who died today at the Karen Hospital.
In a live address at State House, President Kenyatta praised Mr Matiba as one of the country's pioneering entrepreneurs and champion of multiparty democracy.
He said the late Matiba was involved in various businesses ranging from hotel and tourism sectors.
"He was at the forefront in shaping the political landscape of this country as we know it today. His rallying cry of 'forward ever, backward never' helped transform this country," Mr Kenyatta said.
Mr Kenyatta eulogised Mr Matiba as a man who "served his country and people with distinction. His accomplishments demonstrate that focus, diligence and determination pays".
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On his part, ODM leader Raila Odinga termed Mr Matiba’s death as a personal loss, as they participated together in the struggle for the Second Liberation.
"I’m deeply saddened by his untimely death. He is one of the few Kenyans who have paid the ultimate price for his believe in democratic ideals," Mr Odinga said.
Other leaders who mourned Mr Matiba are Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, among others.
