Former Gichugu MP Bernard Kathanga dies

Bernard Kathanga succumbed to cancer aged 93. [File, Standard]

Former Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency, Bernard Kathanga, is dead.

Kathanga, 93, died at the Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday, January 19, where he was receiving treatment for cancer.

His son Peter Gachoki told The Standard that Kathanga had been admitted at the hospital since Monday last week, January 10, and that his condition deteriorated over time.

“He lost the battle today (Wednesday) at 12:41pm,” said Gachoki.

Kathanga served as the second MP for Gichugu between 1966 and 1969, and was also the founding chairman of Co-operative Bank in 1968.

In her condolence message, Martha Karua, who also served as Gichugu MP in the past, described Kathanga as a “a leader in the co-operative movement”.

“We have lost one of the most illustrious sons of Kirinyaga,” she told The Standard.

Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri described Kathanga as a “longtime friend, father and mentor”.

“It is such a sad day for Kirinyaga people. You were a kind, generous, selfless, visionary, loving and an illustrious man. You fought a good fight,” said Ndambiri in his condolence message.

Kathanga is survived by two wives and several children.