Njonjo Spills Secret on Living for 100 Years

The only surviving member of Kenya's first-ever cabinet after independence, Charles Njonjo, has joined the elite few that have lived to 100 years.

Despite living for an entire century, Njonjo still has an aura of regality about him and still speaks as eloquently as he did on independence day.

Celebrating his hundredth birthday on January 23, the Duke of Kabeteshire -as he is popularly known, once opened up on the secret to his longevity.

Speaking to the Daily Nation on May 23, 2015, then 95 years old, the centenarian who preaches environment conservatism revealed that he looked after himself with monk-like dedication.

Charles Njonjo (seated) after he was awarded a certificate for tracking gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda to mark his 100th birthday.

"I look after myself. I swim daily, I used to do 12 laps, now I do only seven. I also have a bicycle which I ride for 10 minutes daily, on top of the treadmill which I do for 10 minutes daily. I’m also careful about what I eat; I don’t eat nyama choma, I eat a lot of veggies," he explained.

The former Attorney General also shared a heartfelt message on his big day, going on to thank Kenyans for the thousands of messages he received to mark his remarkable milestone.

"Through my many years, I have dedicated myself to the service of my country, my church, and my fellow men," he stated.

Donned in his custom pin-striped suit, Njonjo shared his profound joy of having lived for so long alongside his loving wife Margaret, his daughter Wairimu Elizabeth, Mary Wambui and his son Josiah David as well as his sons-in-law and grandchildren.

He confessed to having added a few years of his life simply by being around his grandchildren.

"I have also had the greatest joy and privilege of having grandchildren, to date, six of them. All of him have the most uplifting effect on my energy, for this, I am truly grateful to God," he stated.

Interestingly, at the age of 52, Charles married a Margaret Bryson -a British woman after pressure from Mzee Jomo Kenyatta with reports indicating that Mzee Jomo was uncomfortable with a bachelor AG advising him.

Here's a clip of Kenya's first Attorney General speaking to Citizen TV: