International Criminal Court (ICC) suspect, lawyer Paul Gicheru, who was found dead at his Karen home on Monday, September 26, was described as a down-to-earth person who freely associated with everyone.
Gicheru, who was born and bred in Uasin Gishu County, lived a simple lifestyle despite having built a reputation as a renowned lawyer, according to his allies and Eldoret residents.
Aside from managing his own law firm, Gicheru and Company Advocates based in Eldoret, the deceased also owned a dairy farm in Naivasha.
His fluency in the Kalenjin language made him engage freely with the residents and earned their trust.
"He was born and brought up here in Uasin Gishu and even learned the local dialect. And that is why when he started his law firm, people across the social strata became his clients," Hellen Maina, another resident from Eldoret town, recalled.
Some of the residents also intimated that Gicheru offered pro-bono cases - which exemplified his beloved character.
"We knew him as a humble person who was ready to assist many. He even offered free legal services to those who could not afford charges," Charles Maiyo from Eldoret town added.
His close friends added that he always opted against using high-end vehicles despite his resources and was also a generous man who frequented various social entertainment joints in Eldoret town where he would buy drinks for revellers.
"He was admired by many and was always ready to give a helping hand to many," Erick Kipkorir revealed to Nation in an interview conducted in November 2020.
Gicheru, who was facing witness tampering charges at the ICC, was found dead at his Karen home on Monday, September 26.
The lawyer is said to have gone to bed while complaining that he was unwell. He was later found dead with foam forming in his mouth.
His son was also rushed to hospital.
