City Affairs

Former Kamukunji MP Maina Wanjigi dies aged 93

Former Cabinet minister James Maina Wanjigi.

By Mary Wambui | Friday, June 28, 2024

The former legislator, businessman, and Minister died at 93 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.

Former long-serving Kamukunji Member of Parliament Maina Wanjigi, father to Nairobi businessman Jimi Wanjigi, is dead.

The former legislator, businessman, and minister died at 93 while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.

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Wanjigi will be remembered as the pioneer behind the development of the vibrant Gikomba market, and the Jua Kali sector in the Shauri Moyo area, and for his role in uplifting the education standards both at his home and in his constituency, including the setting up of three secondary schools in the constituency.

They include; Maina Wanjigi Secondary in Eastleigh, Kamukunji, and Uhuru Secondary School.

He also served as the independent Kenya's first director of settlement and first executive director of the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation.

Wanjigi was last seen in public while defending his son during a police invasion of his property in Westlands in 2022.

Following his death, leaders have shared condolence messages with his family, some reminiscing his earlier days in leadership.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris noted that he served well for 25 years as a minister in the Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism, and Public Works and Member of Parliament for the Kamukunji Constituency.

"My condolences to the family and friends of the late Miana Wanjigi. We have lost a great icon. Fare thee well," she said.

Narc leader Martha Karua wrote," My condolences to Jimi Wanjigi and the entire Wanjigi family on the passing of their patriarch Maina Wanjigi. Our prayers are with you."