How Kenneth Matiba sunk from a billionaire politician to poverty

Kenneth Matiba arrives from London in May 1992

 

• Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba built a vast empire in hotel industry and established top-tier schools
• He was also the first Kenyan to serve as executive chairman of East African Breweries Limited
• His downfall began when he resigned from former President Daniel arap Moi’s cabinet following rigged party elections and became an opposition figure

He was among the handful of youngsters who were well educated at independence. Like Obama senior, the world lay at his feet.

Ambitious, abrasive and a no nonsense and hands on manager, Kenneth Stanley Njindo Matiba became a permanent secretary while still in his 20s before quitting to join Kenya Breweries.