Former Mathira MP Matu Wamae dead

Former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) Eliud Matu Wamae is dead.

The politician-cum-businessman, 85, died at the Nairobi Hospital on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30pm.

His widow, Joyce Wamae, told The Standard that the ex-legislator had been receiving treatment for a long-term illness.

"He became ill in 2015, and when an operation was conducted on his spine, the condition worsened. Ever since, he has been in and out of hospital," said Joyce.

The MP is survived by two children. He and his spouse originally had four children, but two have since died.

In his heydays, the deceased was a political giant who served as Mathira MP for three terms between 1983 and 2002.

In 1987, Wamae was ousted by Davidson Ngibuini Kuguru, his longtime political rival, but he reclaimed the seat in 1992.

In 2002, he lost re-election bid after his good friend, Mwai Kibaki, surprisingly failed to endorse him for the Mathira parliamentary seat.

Wamae's failure to defend his Mathira parliamentary seat in 2002 saw him exit from politics. He was, however, later in 2005 appointed for a State office by Kibaki.

Kenya's fourth president, Uhuru Kenyatta, appointed Wamae as the New KCC Board chairperson between 2015 and 2019.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga eulogised Wamae as a man who lived to serve humanity.

"As Mathira MP, you made your mark. Your revival of the once moribund KCC is a story worth emulating. You go home empty having poured out yourself for our society," said Governor Kahiga.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga described Wamae as a leader who assisted many people to start businesses during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC).

"Wamae properly took charge of the ICDC and steered the corporation to the advantage of the Kenyan people," said Wamatinga.