The family of former minister Gilbert M'Mbijiwe have eulogised him as a selfless and charismatic leader who mentored many.
They said on Thursday that he coached
many upcoming leaders and improved residents' lives.
Mwongera Mwanontii said M'Mbijiwe
mentored him in active politics when he became Nkuene councillor from 1997 to 2002.
"He championed development in the constituency," the relative said. "His
legacy will remain in the hearts of many as he loved and established himself with the vulnerable in the society."
Mwanontii said he and others had many challenges but that M'Mbijiwe's guidance helped them.
"He was from the Abonthwaa clan...my late mother was instrumental in his upbringing," he said.
"[Meru Governor] Kiraitu [Murungi] would not have defeated him. It's
that the revolution of multiparty democracy dealt him a blow. He loved and offered himself to the poor in society," the radio presenter told the Star.
Imenti South MP Kathuri Murungi said: "You served selflessly during your stints as South Imenti MP and Cabinet minister. You left indelible ink in the hearts of South Imenti residents."
M'Mbijiwe died on Wednesday night at Kirua mission hospital after a long battle with throat cancer.
He
served as minister for Agriculture, Energy and Health during former president Daniel arap Moi's regime.