Charles Rubia, first African Mayor of Nairobi, buried in Murang’a

Former Cabinet Minister Dr. Charles Wanyoike Rubia was laid to rest on Monday at his Karuigu-ini home near Kenol town, Muranga County.

The funeral service held at Karigu-ini Primary School grounds in Murang’a County was attended top leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Cabinet Secretaries Eugene Wamalwa (Devolution), James Macharia (Transport), Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs).

Rubia, who was the first African mayor of Nairobi, died on December 23 at his Karen home.

The late Charles Rubia, 96, served as a Member of Parliament for Starehe Constituency for 20 years from 1969 during which he held several ministerial positions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned him as an icon of Kenya’s vibrant multi-party democracy.

According to the Head of State, the late Rubia was a polished Kenyan who was devoted to serving all citizens, with distinction, irrespective of their backgrounds.

“As the first African Mayor, Mzee Rubia was key to the development of Nairobi city, making it an economic hub for East and Central Africa.

“It was during his era, as the city father, that Nairobi earned the title, the green city in the sun, due to his outstanding efforts of keeping the city clean and orderly,” the President noted.

Others present at the burial were James Orengo (Siaya Senator), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a Senator), Alice Wahome (Kandara MP), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North MP), Sabina Chege (Murang’a Woman Rep), Nduati Kariuki (Murang’a County Assembly Speaker), Kembi Gitura (former Murang’a Senator), Peter Kenneth (former Gatanga MP) and Beatrice Elachi (Nairobi County Assembly Speaker).

Dr. S.K. Macharia (Royal Media Services Chairman) and Peter Munga (former Chairman of Equity Group) were also at the funeral service. The two are members of the Murang’a Council of Eminent Persons.