DP Ruto aide Anthony Kariuki laid to rest in Machakos

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday paid tribute to his staff member Anthony Kariuki who died last week.

He said Mr Kariuki was a man with tremendous sense of placid disposition, intellect and full of positive attitude.

“In any assignment he (Anthony) was involved, you knew it would turn out to be better. He made priceless contributions to my office,” said Dr Ruto, adding that: “he was inimitable.”

He spoke on Friday during the funeral service of Mr Kariuki at PCEA, Ngundu Church in Kamulu, Machakos County.

Dr. Ruto was accompanied by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, and his Buuri counterpart Mugambi Rindikiri.

While pledging to support the family, the Deputy President regretted that he had lost a valued and professional worker.

Mr. Kariuki died on Friday last week in an accident on Outering Road. Until his demise, he was the Deputy Director of Communications at the Office of the Deputy President (ODP).

He previously worked at the Nation Media Group as the Digital Editor and at Plan International East and Southern Africa as the Social and Web Editor.

ODP Communication Secretary David Mugonyi eulogized Mr Kariuki as focused, popular and a highly engaging peer.

“He was ever fit to provide counsel and perspective on media and communication issues. Anthony changed the dynamic wherever he was,” said Mr Mugonyi.

The Communication Secretary, who also worked with Mr Kariuki at the Nation Media Group, noted that whenever Mr. Kariuki spoke, he was listened to because of the way he said it: ‘quietly, utterly without bombast, but with monumental virtuoso.’

Mr Mugonyi said working in the DP’s office was not easy as it requires pace, accuracy and hunger for knowledge.

“Anthony fitted perfectly in this high-pressure working environment,” he said.

Nation Media Group’s Parliamentary Editor Lucas Barasa said Anthony was a great man “who challenged our approach to issues”.

“We will terribly miss Anto,” said Mr Barasa.

He leaves behind a widow Christine Wakio and two children: Darren Macharia and Deina Nyambura.