Kenya's Third President Mwai Kibaki has lost a close friend and long-time business partner by the name of Kimwatu Kayungu.
The family spokesperson Kelvin Kimwatu, who is also Kayungu's son, confirmed the unfortunate incident to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, March 3.
"He died this morning at five in a hospital in Nyeri Town. He got a chest infection, and he was also not a young man having been born at the same time with Kibaki," Kimwatu stated.
He informed this reporter that Kimwatu had shared a close relationship with Kibaki which started in their youth and lasted deep into their sunset years.
"Kayungu was the one who travelled to Karatina when Kibaki was admitted to Mang'u, he was the one who took the 'Nyororo' bus all the way from Othaya to Karatina to get him uniform to go to school," Kimwatu told this reporter.
He further informed that Kibaki and Kayungu's business which they started together after independence had been the bane of their problems in their latter years.
"If you look at the publications of late, you will realize that the business has been having problems with some of the new shareholders. They are the only two surviving members of the original business that was founded by Kibaki as they were agemates in Othaya," he stated.
Kelvin further informed Kenyans.co.ke that Kimwatu was also Kibaki's political mentor to a huge extent an individual who participated in moulding his early political career.
"When they noticed that Kibaki was going to lose the Bahati Constituency seat, he was among three politicians who went to convince him to run in Othaya, so he is instrumental in Kibaki's political career," he informed.
He further informed that even towards the end of his life, he was as close with Kibaki as from when they were young, having been together in all Kibaki's court appearances and other tough moments.
"When Kibaki's father died, the last person he wanted to see was my father Kimwatu so Kibaki had to send for him because they have been very close, and they have also shared meals with him countless times," he added.
Kelvin also confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that even in the time of failing memories, the two of them would instantly recognize each other every time they met.
