GG Kariuki: ‘Senator 001’ drove in a Toyota Premio, hardly took sides

Senator GG Kariuki’s death has robbed Kenya of a rich history traversing four regimes, where he played a key role.

As a veteran politician, who served as a Cabinet minister in both governments of Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi, Dr Karuiki was a point reference point for many of his colleagues in the Senate.

Though not actively involved in Senate committee and plenary sessions, his contribution in the House was treated with the utmost importance it deserved.

The soft spoken senator was never quick to give his stand on issues, but earned the respect of the senators and House leadership, even when some of his contributions appeared out of topic.

Very down to earth despite the wealth he amassed in his lifetime, Senator GG was driven in a Toyota Premio saloon car and was never surrounded by bodyguards. He earned a PhD in International Studies in 2015.

In 2013, Karuiki sought to be the chairman of the Senate National Security and Foreign Relations Committee, banking on his past experience as Internal Security minister, but lost to Senator Yusuf Haji (Garissa). This demoralised GG and he opted out of all committees.

His colleagues famously referred to him even as ‘Senator 001’, probably due to his seniority in age. He always abstained from taking controversial positions on institutions and individuals, save for when he was in defence of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government.

He developed a good working relationship with his Governor Joshua Irungu, even defending him over Auditor General’s financial queries.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said he used to seek GG’s advice whenever he faced challenges.

“I will cherish the nearly five years I was privileged to work with GG. For a man who studied and earned a PhD at the age of 76, GG was a towering intellectual whose contribution to the democracy of our country will be remembered by generations to come,” said Kindiki.