Fiona Farha: Chris Kirubi's Little Known Daughter Living in Dubai [VIDEO]

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Fiona Farha Kirubi and his father the late Dr Chris Kirubi
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Fiona Farha Kirubi, the last-born daughter and Chris Kirubi's third child introduced herself to mourners at her father's burial ceremony on Saturday, June 19. 

While reading her eulogy, Farha admitted that most people were not as familiar with her as Robert Kirubi and Mary Musangi, her siblings who were well known. 

She broke down on the podium prior to reading the eulogy and her siblings showed her love by standing beside her and supporting her throughout her speech. 

"I want to thank you all for being here to remember and celebrate the life of my dad, Chris Kirubi. To those gathered here who I haven't met, I am Fiona Kirubi, the youngest of his children," she affirmed. 

In her eulogy, she recalled how she at first denied being the tycoon’s daughter, how Kirubi and her spent time and bonded, her marriage and how she would tell her son (Kirubi's grandson) stories about his grandfather.

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The late Chris Kirubi's children: From Left - Robert Kirubi, Fiona Farha Kirubi and Mary-Ann Musangi at his burial ceremony o Saturday, June 19, 2021
YouTube

Read an excerpt of the speech 

When I was a child, I was terribly subconscious of our shared Kirubi permanent forehead and wide smile and I would try to hide his traits. However, as I grew older, I have come to embrace our unique physical traits which connect us and I am more proud of my forehead and a big smile and who would who have thought I'd married an amazing dentist. 

I wish he would have met the new addition to the family, my 7-month-old son Mufasa who would carry the name Kirubi. I promise to tell him all about his Guka when he grows up.

I grew up with my mum and I learnt that the words and encouragement that my dad had trouble expressing came out through his successes and achievements 

My dad taught me the meaning of hard work and independence and to always aim for the stars. He taught me that with great blessings come great responsibilities

As a young adult living in Dubai, I remember accompanying my dad to endless meetings, driving around and it was during these moments that we would bond as father and daughter in our own way 

I admired how he would have discussions late into the night even though I was so exhausted I would be completely in awe of how he could continue going and going and going and gave everyone he met his time and he was never short of living with words of wisdom.

He would break down my business ideas and had a way of looking at the future in terms of business. 

All his grandchildren will carry his legacy into the future. He is no longer in pain and is resting. Rest in peace papa. 

Business magnate Chris Kirubi passed away on Monday, June 14 at the age of 80 years. 

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The late tycoon Chris Kirubi passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021
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Fiona Farha Kirubi's Education & Career

Fiona Farha Kirubi is a partner at Gateway Global and head of Fintech and Leadership development for Africa. Gateway Global is a full service, professional ground transportation company.

At Gateway, she oversees the Gateway’s Conversion Factory, Digital Strategy & Fintech, Gender Equity, Inclusivity, Real Estate, and Social Responsibility.

Prior to joining Gateway, Fiona worked at Globaleye as an independent investment advisor tasked with portfolio strategy, asset allocation, investment management and corporate solutions on pensions and insurance. 

She is also an entrepreneur. Kirubi’s lastborn is the chairperson for Muslim Women Tech, an NGO focused on developing tech skills for women based in Malaysia and Kenya and sits on several global advisory boards

Fiona holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, a Master of Arts (M.A) in Islamic finance from the Global University of Islamic Finance (INCEIF), a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the American University in Dubai, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Finance and Management from Richmond University- UK.

In 2017, she was listed in the Women in FinTech Powerlist 2017.

Watch Fiona Farha Kirubi speak at his father's burial 

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