JJ Kamotho: Wordsmith cabinet minister who loved giving to the poor

John Joseph Kamotho was a Kenyan politician who served the country in various ministerial capacities. Kamotho, who also served as MP for Kangema and Mathioya constituencies, held different cabinet positions including Natural Resources and Environment, Trade and Education.

He was also a long-serving secretary general of the once-ruling party, Kenya African National Union (KANU). For many years, Kenyans associated Kamotho with riches owing to his numerous contributions during different functions, especially harambees. Many of the fundraisers he was involved in were those that were in support of churches and educational facilities.