The business empire of the late businessman Francis Kiambi appeared to be struggling financially at the time of his death.
Close family members, who are still struggling to come to terms with the death of their loved one, speaking to Citizen TV at the deceased’s home in Tharaka, said the late Kiambi fought a spirited battle to not only grow his business but also support agricultural projects he initiated in the Tharaka community, which celebrates him as a hero.
Grief and sorrow fill the home of the late Francis Kiambi Kirori at his rural home in Nkarini, Tharaka.
Kiambi’s mother Pricilla Siampui and sister Jesica Kajugu are struggling for the fourth consecutive day to come to terms with the devastating news that reached them at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, when a doctor at the nearby Karen Hospital confirmed the death of their loved one.
For a moment, the two speak in hushed tones, sharing fond memories of their beloved son … when the reality hits them that they will never share the happy moments with him again.
Just hours before Kiambi was found dead in his home, a discussion on a Ksh2 billion loan request was the focus of a five-hour deliberation.
“Kulingana na vile tunajua, hapa mwisho … biashara yake haikuwa Sawa sana. Hata kuna wale directors walikuja hapa wakasema kwamba tangu serikali ianze kuweka sheria kali biashara haiendi sawa. Sio vile ilikuwa mbeleni,” Jessica Kajugu said.
According to a police report, the late Kiambi’s wife, Mary Waigwe Muthoni, told investigators that she fell out with her husband because she refused to guarantee him a Sh2 billion loan to start a business. An incident that allegedly led to the couple sleeping in separate bedrooms on the eve of Kiambi’s death.
According to the investigation, the alleged planned bank transaction was the main discussion during a five-hour consultation at the Big Smoke Bar and Restaurant, located just a few miles from Kiambi’s home.
“There was a discussion about a bank transaction involving the wife, the lawyer and a relative,” the Lang’ata DCIO said.
Matanka, as he was known in his rural home in Tharaka, the local dialect name for watermelon, and which became a household name over time, not only expanded his mainly alcohol brewery, but also improved the economic status of the Tharaka community by introducing watermelon and sorghum cultivation, which improved the livelihoods of locals. Late Kiambi distributed free seeds and provided businesses with the opportunity to purchase the product directly from the farms.
“The watermelon and sorghum business changed our fortunes…we were able to build stone houses and pay school fees,” said Bernard Murimi.
The news of the late Kiambi’s death shocks the Tharaka community, who mourn their beloved son as a fallen hero of the Tharaka community.
