First Majimbo president takes final bow

Lucas Ngureti, first president of the Central Regional Assembly. (Photo: File/Standard)

The first president of the Central Regional Assembly during the Majimbo (devolution) period in 1963, Lucas Ngureti, has passed on.

The system was abolished in 1964 after Kenya became a republic under a President.

Mr Ngureti, who wore many hats including that of an assistant minister during his hey day, passed on peacefully at his Gatugura home in Kirinyaga County on Saturday Morning aged 86.

His first born child, Lean Wambui while confirming his demise said the old man succumbed to a prolonged ailment and passed on peacefully in his sleep in the wee hours of Saturday.

He will be remembered as the man Prime Minister Mzee Jomo Kenyatta appointed in 1963 to receive former Mau Mau freedom fighters from all corners of the country at Ruringu stadium, Nyeri, where they also handed over their weapons to the Government.

Ngureti served as Mwea MP and an assistant minister for Culture and Social Services under President Kenyatta in the 70s.

He is survived by a widow and five children.

Ms Wambui said burial arrangements are in top gear.

Among those who have since condoled his family are his longtime political colleague and former Gichugu MP Bernard Kathanga.

Mr Kathanga described Ngureti as an upright personality, who served the nation with total commitment, determination and selflessly.

"The country has lost one of its leading torches in the person of Luca Kamau Ngureti whose contribution to nation building dates back to pre-colonial days, when he served as a teacher," Kathanga said.

The exit of the Majimbo system saw the establishment of a centralised system. This structure was replaced by the devolved system of government in 2013.