Kenyan billionaire Gerald Gikonyo the founder of Rwathia Distributors has died.
According to sources, Gikonyo died on Thursday, June 13 aged 110 due to complications from old age.
The businessman had a diverse portfolio which included investments in real estate and liquor businesses.
Gikonyo owns the famous Sabina Joy establishment, Magomano and Timboroa hotels.
The late businessman was a proud polygamist.
Gikonyo has four wives and 23 children, he once claimed to have over 300 grandchildren.
One of his sons Kanyuira Gikonyo mourned him on social media and thanked God for the life he lived.
“Dad has rested. We thank God for a life well lived.” He said.
His life
Gerald Gikonyo best exemplifies the bottom-up economy being propagated by a section of Kenyan politicians.
His success from the claws of poverty can be attributed to sheer hard work, business acumen and the power of working as a team for a set goal.
He was among the first black people to own a car in Kenya.
In 2017, he was handed over the keys to Nairobi city by former president Uhuru Kenyatta and the then governor Evans Kidero.
Only a few in the country have had such a privilege.
The entrepreneur ventured into the transport business in the early ‘60s and has no fond memory of business.
According to Gerald Gikonyo, the business is very risky and has so many unforeseen variables.
The businessman owned two buses christened Mwijoyo and Kayi.
The seasoned businessman was categorical that he rather invest his money in a building since such an investment cannot knock down a pedestrian.
Interestingly, a man who was the first Kenyan to own a car in the country doesn’t know how to drive one.
