Make up, leaders tell Kirima family

By Cyrus Ombati

A requiem mass for former assistant minister and city businessman Gerishon Kirima was conducted with calls on his family to unite.

Kirima will be buried today in his Murang’a home at an event that will be attended by President Kibaki. Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed Kibaki will attend the event.

Kalonzo who was among those who attended the requiem mass at the AIC Milimani Church, Nairobi, yesterday appealed to the children of Kirima and his widow to make up and withdraw all cases they have lodged in courts over their property.

"We all will be happy if you decide you are not going to continue with the court battles we always see (because) the media will always cover you negatively," said Kalonzo.

A similar message of unity was presented by the council of elders that has been overseeing the burial arrangements.

Committee member former MP Charles Rubia said as elders, their appeal was for the family to agree on the way forward in unison.

Chairman Maina Wanjigi too said it would be wrong for the family to continue wrangling and called for unity.

Vast wealth

Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo also called for unity and revealed that he had a message for the family that Kirima gave him when he was in hospital in London.

The requiem mass was attended by several assistant ministers and MPs, businessmen and relatives of the late Kirima.

Businessman Jimnah Mbaru who read the eulogy described Kirima as a role model of successful African entrepreneurhip and should be emulated by many.

He elaborated how Kirima acquired his vast wealth that stretches from Nairobi to Kiambu and Murang’a arguing that it was through his hard work that he managed to be where he is. Kirima, 78, is thought to be one of the richest businessmen in the city with property especially, real estate, estimated to be worth at least Sh5 billion and attracting almost Sh70 million monthly in rent.

He died in South Africa on December 21 where he had been flown for medical attention. The calls on the family to be united emanate from various battles pitting his children against their stepmother Teresia Wairimu over control of the vast estate.

Kirima had 12 children and more than 30 grandchildren. Some of the children are permanent residents in South Africa and London.