Former Minister for Local Government and First Nairobi Mayor Charles Rubia passed on at his home in Karen on Monday, December 23, 2019.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata confirmed that Rubia passed on peacefully at his home, lauding him as a veteran politician.
"Rubia was a great man whom every leader emulated. He was the man remembered for assisting a large number of Murang'a residents to find their way in Nairobi.
"Almost every great business person who came to Nairobi in the early days can attribute their growth to Rubia. He was always ready to assist any person who came his way," remarked Kang'ata.
The senator further praised Rubia as a liberation leader who together with Kenneth Matiba helped Kenya grow in democracy.
"Rubia worked hand in hand with Kenneth Matiba to fight for multiparty democracy in Kenya. This has earned him respect as a liberation leader in this country," he added.
President Kenyatta led National leaders in mourning the veteran politician in the fight for multiparty democracy.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and comfort to the family, friends and relatives of veteran politician Charles Wanyoike Rubia who died today aged 96. The President eulogised the former Minister as an icon of Kenya's vibrant multi-party democracy," read Kenyatta's message on twitter.
ODM leader Raila Odinga also eulogised Rubia as a champion of democracy.
"I am saddened by the passing on of Hon Charles Rubia, the first African Mayor of Nairobi who also gallantly served the nation in other capacities including as a cabinet minister. He played a key role in the liberation struggle of our nation and was always at the forefront," read Raila's post on twitter.
Rubia joined Parliament as Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency from 1969 to 1988.
He was later appointed by Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as an assistant minister for local government before ascending to the position of minister in the same docket during retired President Daniel Moi's administration.
According to Daily Nation, in February 1987, Rubia was arrested and accused of financing the Mwakenya Movement and joining hands with religious leaders to import guns with the intention of overthrowing the government.
Subsequently, he was detained at Nyayo House in Nairobi and thereafter released without being arraigned or charges being preferred against him.
In the upcoming election of 1988, state organs reportedly ensured that he was rigged out of an election in which the returning officer announced two different sets of results.
