Renowned businessman Christopher John Kirubi is dead, his family has confirmed.
The billionaire, born in 1941, died aged 80 at his home on Monday, June 14 around 1 pm.
He leaves behind two children namely Mary-Ann Musangi and Robert Kirubi.
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The director of Centum Investment Company, a business conglomerate where he is the largest individual shareholder, has been battling cancer for years.
" It is with deep sorrow that we regret to inform you of the passing away today of Dr. Christopher J. Kirubi, EBS, prominent businessman, investor and entrepreneur in Kenya and the East Africa region," a statement by Centum Investment Limited read.
Kirubi's last post on Twitter was an encouragement to his followers where he urged them to pursue their goals with determination as they begin a new week.
He didn't hint at being sick since all seemed well from his message.
"Top of the morning to you, my dear friend. It doesn’t have to be a tiring Monday. Instead, I bring to you good tidings of favour, success, achievements and happiness in the new week. Give yourself a go towards your success plan. Enjoy today and the rest of your week," he wrote on his Twitter on Monday.
Kirubi was diagnosed with Cancer in 2017.
His battle with cancer since then saw him reduce his interactions with people to avoid contracting germs.
In February 2019 when the world was marking cancer day, Kirubi opened up on his cancer battle.
He called for the harnessing of multi-agency efforts in the fight against the pandemic saying the subject is very dear to him.
“I would like to urge each and every one of you to go for cancer screening tests and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Nobody is immune and early diagnosis surely saves lives. I also would like our government to actively raise awareness to the public on how to reduce cancer risk and accord affordable treatment to those diagnosed. Above all, I celebrate all who have fought hard and defeated cancer. Never lose hope!” he wrote.
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.
He is recognised as one of Kenya’s first indigenous manufacturers having entered the manufacturing sector in the 1970s.
He was a passionate Ambassador for the Kenya Country Brand and served as Chairperson of Brand Kenya Board from March 2016 – December 2017.
" He was passionate about making a difference in the lives of disenfranchised groups and was involved in a number of social causes," Centum Investment Company said in a statement.
Until his death, he served on the Harvard Global Advisory Council (Massachusetts, USA) as an advisor on education matters of Africa.
