Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Polycarp Igathe, who was on Tuesday announced as Senator Mike Sonko's running mate in the Nairobi governorship race has severally been the subject of public debate.
The most contentious issue, however, has always been the identity of his real father.
For a while now, the rumour mill and even sections of the local media have held that the Vivo Energy Kenya boss is the son of Nairobi billionaire Chris Kirubi, presumably because he worked for long as Managing Director of Haco Industries before Vivo Energy sought his services.
The Daily Nation at one point reported that "Mr Chris Kirubi, businessman and owner of Haco Industries let his son Polycarp Igathe to manage the firm".
However, in an interview with the Business Daily, Igathe revealed that he is not Kirubi's son but stated that he enjoys the fact that the rumour has got him so many free drinks.
"Kenyans think that if you work in a company diligently for long, a company owned by someone else, you can only be their son.
"But you know, I love it. I get bought a lot of drinks as a result. When I run into people who want to associate with me because of that myth, oh I take advantage of it and just order a very expensive whisky.
"You know how Kenyans like to hang out with the who-is-who," he stated.
He further clarified the entire situation by saying that his father was a stock’s accountant who worked for different companies in his career, though he did not reveal his name.
"...he was also a procurement professional and taught me integrity. I have never seen somebody more honest and clear on his intentions.
Igathe also distanced himself from the lavish lifestyle associated with Kirubi saying his dad is humble and his grandparents were peasants who were part of the Mau Mau freedom fighters.
"He is very humble. His parents were peasants… they were Mau Mau freedom fighters. My role model is my father. I love to spend time with him," he said.
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