Maina Wanjigi: Businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s Father Dies

Businessman Jimi Wanjigi’s father, Maina Wanjigi has died at Nairobi Hospital at age 92. 

Maina is a former MP and Cabinet Minister for over 25 years.

He joined elective politics in 1969 when he won the Kamkunji seat after a by-election following Tom Mboya’s assassination.

He served as Minister for Agriculture, Public Works and Tourism and was awarded the  Elder of the Golden Heart of Kenya.

Maina Wanjigi is known for developing the expansive open-air Gikomba Market in Kamukunji Constituency during his term as MP.

A secondary school in Eastleigh is named after him.

He is fondly remembered during President Jomo Kenyatta’s era as being involved in settling thousands of landless Kenyans in his role as the Director of Settlement.

The late politician’s son Jimmy Wanjigi is a businessman and political strategist.

He was known for his unwavering support of ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in 2017.

Jimi was also a force in the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto in 2013.

Wanjigi is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kwacha Group of Companies.

It’s a private company with vast interests cutting across various sectors of the economy including agri-business, financial services, industrials and real estate.

Some of its offices are located on General Mathenge Drive, Westlands, Nairobi Caramel, the high-end at ABC Place, and also in Westlands.