President Uhuru Kenyatta is mourning the death of his father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's tailor, Dhanji Liladhar Parmar.
Mr Parmar, who made Mzee Kenyatta's coats passed on on Monday.
Announcing his demise, his daughter Simran Parmar stated: "He was full of life yesterday (Sunday). We had dinner together and he was fine. This morning (yesterday), he woke up early as usual but died a few minutes later. It is very painful for the family."
Posting on his Twitter account, Uhuru exclaimed: "His life was a testimony that as long as you serve & do what you do with passion, there is no limit to what you can achieve. We pray that God strengthens his family.
[caption caption="Dhanji Liladhar Parmar at his compound in Nakuru "]
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"Yes, my father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, loved his Leather jackets. We celebrate the talent and skill of Dhanji Parmar," Uhuru added.
Parmar's daughter also described the renowned tailor as a loving father, who despite his old age, always checked on his family and remained active.
Mr Parmar, who was 85 years old, collapsed in their home opposite Nakuru State Lodge and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
"He woke up at around 7 am and collapsed while having a shower. Doctors told us that he suffered a heart attack," his nephew Rakesh Prenji explained.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui also mourned him, describing him as a true patriot who was committed to serving the less privileged through his charity
work.
"Mzee Parmar displayed utmost patriotism and diligence. He will particularly be remembered for his compassion to the poor through the Lion’s Club and attendance of all national holiday celebrations even in later years when his health was failing," the county boss stated.
Parmar rose to fame in the late 1960s when he made President Jomo Kenyatta a leather jacket at his father's shop, then located in Nakuru.
After he made Kenyatta the coat, he became a household name as other senior government officials sought his services.
Government officials who sought his services included former Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Mathenge, Cabinet Minister Mbiyu Koinange, and provincial engineer Kim Gatende.
The Kenyan of Asian descent also received recognition from former President Daniel arap Moi, who awarded him a Head of State Commendation in 1995 and let him become a frequent visitor to State House.
[caption caption="Former President Daniel arap Moi"]
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