Cheki, BrighterMonday boss dies after armed attack

The late Carey Eaton, co-founder of One Africa Media group. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Nairobi, Kenya: Carey Eaton, co-founder of One Africa Media group and founder of online car bazaar Cheki.co.ke has died.

According to a press release sent to newsrooms by One Africa Media representatives Redline Public Relations, Eaton died following an armed robbery in Nairobi on Thursday morning.

"It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the untimely death of Kenyan businessman Carey Eaton, who passed away in tragic circumstances after an armed robbery at a friend’s home in Nairobi in the early hours of this morning," reads the statement.

According to the statement, Eaton served on the boards of many companies and was well respected as a leader in the emerging online business sector where he also played a mentorship role to young technology entrepreneurs.

"Carey was the co-founder of the One Africa Media group of companies and one of the inspirational leaders of the technology revolution happening across the continent of Africa," the statement reads.

One Africa Media comprises Cheki, BrighterMonday, BuyRentKenya and StayNow in Kenya, as well as similar Internet businesses across Africa.

"Previously CIO of the Australian classified group SEEK, Carey returned home to Kenya in 2011 to start Cheki. From humble beginnings he grew Cheki into Kenya’s number one car portal and the larger group of companies into Africa’s largest classified group. The Kenyan operation now includes over 150 people spread across the country," the statement reads.

"Carey was intelligent and bold but wielded this gift with a humility that gave all around him the confidence to achieve more than they knew was possible. However, it is not Carey the business leader that we will miss as much as Carey the man: energetic, passionate and connected to us all in some special way," it reads.

"What can never be taken away is the legacy around us in the team and the brands that he built. When we have mourned the loss of our friend we will, with renewed resolve, get back to building his vision," reads the statement.

Carey leaves behind his wife Steph, and children Noah, ILola, Ted and Archie.