The late Davidson Ngibuini Kuguru lived to be one of the most powerful politicians, occupying high positions in government, serving from the pre-colonial period, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s era and former President Daniel Moi’s rule.
Despite the great wealth he acquired during his time in power, Ngibuini was known to be a disciplinarian.
Surprisingly, the former National Heritage minister refused to give land to his children and insisted they purchase it instead.
A source who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke and who was close to the former minister indicated that this was a step intended to prevent laziness among his over 45 children.
“Ngibuini was a man with seven known wives who bore him a total of more than 45 children. The high number of children may have been what led him to make the decision.
“Peter Kuguru was one of the first children to buy land from his father in Kiamaina, Mathira Constituency, while his brother Maguta Ngibuini purchased a tract of land in Muruguru, Nyeri Town Constituency,” remarked the source.
The deceased's move yielded fruits as a majority of his children embraced education, studying in local public schools and charted great careers in the country and abroad.
“I know of many of his children who excelled in education including Gikandi Ngibuini who is a renowned lawyer, another Gikandi Ngibuini is a long-time practising doctor.
“Nguyo Ngibuini grew to become an established architect while one of his brothers become an engineer leading one of the prestigious construction companies in the country,” added the source.
Ngibuini Kuguru’s influence started during the pre-colonial period where he was known as a friend of the rulers, even earning an excellence award from the queen.
After attainment of independence, Ngibuini continued his political engagements and was elected as a councillor and later as the MP for Mathira Constituency in 1969.
In 1974, Mzee Kenyatta appointed Ngibuini as an assistant minister for home affairs and national heritage, ostensibly deputizing then-Vice President Daniel Arap Moi.
After his ascension to the presidency, Moi appointed Ngibuini as minister for National Heritage.
Ngibuini continued serving in Parliament as an MP.
The minister died in 1997 and was buried at his farm in Muruguru, Nyeri County in a ceremony attended by President Moi.
