The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Recently, businessman Zablon Mathenge, whose investments include interests in the media, brought Meru town to a standstill. He flew out to Washington DC in the US a year ago where he ordered a customised 32-feet long Hummer H3 stretch limousine which he paraded in the town on December 17.
It is claimed that he spent a cool Sh35 million on the lavish car.
The limo, escorted by a chopper, arrived at Heritage Hotel for a reception party. Mathenge is the owner of Mwariama TV, Mwariama FM and Furaha Radio, which has made him some kind of a local media mogul in Meru. He says he decided to invest in media to reach out to the community.
The limo, which can sit up to 24 people, is fitted with a TV screen, drinks cabinet, intercom, music system and mood lighting.
“It will be available for weddings, corporate and other social events,” Mathenge said.
The cost of hiring the limo is Sh35,000 per hour.
“I intend to hire it out for events in Meru because the idea is to make Meru great. Meru is a great place and I was heartbroken to note that some people have had to hire limos from Nairobi for their weddings. So, I decided to get one from the US. Now, residents will not have problems accessing such luxury to make their weddings memorable,” said Mathenge, a married father of three - two sons and a daughter.
Igembe South MP, Mithika Linturi, Woman Representative Florence Kajuju, Meru County Assembly Deputy Speaker Gideon Kimathi, and Jubilee Party’s interim secretary general for the Meru branch, Alhaji Mwendia, were some of the guests who were at hand to ‘welcome’ the huge vehicle.
“We will be open for business for all Kenyans from any part of the country. This is not just for Meru. The limo will be at all times be a companied by an escort car for the security of both passengers and the vehicle, Mathenge revealed.
The Deputy Speaker said they will find a way for more residents to use the vehicle.
