Kudos to governor Kidero for honouring city icon Gerald Gikonyo aged 104

Last Thursday, a historic event took place at Alfa Hotel in downtown Nairobi when Governor Evans Kidero honoured one of the founders of Rwathia Distributors, Gerald Gikonyo, aged 104.

In a country where true heroes are rarely recognised, it was heartwarming to see Dr Kidero hand Mr Gikonyo a ceremonial key to the city that will see him now park his cars free of charge; attend all county and national governments functions and have a road named after him besides other benefits.

Gikonyo, a co- founder of Rwathia group of businesses, is the third person to receive the award after the late Cardinal Maurice Otunga of the Catholic Church, former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete and Nobel laureate, late Prof Wangari Maathai.

Gikonyo, whom Kidero described as one of the city’s top loyal taxpayers, has faithfully remitted his dues to City Hall without fail even as some prominent figures dodge the taxman.

We believe his story is worth telling in a book. John Kihara and Geoffrey Muya