Interesting facts about the late Senator GG Kariuki

As the late Laikipia Senator GG Kariuki is being laid to rest, residents of Laikipia County are mourning the death of a man who to them was not only a veteran politician but also a father figure.

The Citizen Digital team talked to residents of Nyahururu Town to understand what type of a man he was and how they will remember the late Senator.

According to them, Laikipia has lost a true hero who dedicated his life to serving the people, calling upon all leaders in the country to emulate his example.

“GG was a true leader who had the heart to serve people. He worked hard to ensure that security is heightened in a county that is otherwise prone to banditry attacks,” recounts one of the residents only identified as Waithaka.

GG, according to the locals, was a man of the people and helped many families during his lifetime.

“GG helped many families educate their children. He built schools. Many churches in this county were funded by the late Senator. We have lost a true hero,” said another resident.

Here are the interesting facts about the late GG Kariuki;

He started politics at the tender age of 15 years

His political life began in 1952 when he was just 15 years of age. He was borne out of a squatters’ life within the white highlands and therefore saw the need to start a revolution championing for the freedom of Africans who were mistreated by the settlers.

You could own a 5-acre land with only Ksh 20

On realizing the serious challenge of Laikipia residents, which was land acquisition and settlement, GG spearheaded the formation of a Laikipia West Farmers Company in 1972. This is an organization that bought land from white settlers and sold it to residents. Ksh 20 could grant an African, regardless of tribe, five acres of land.

He was baptized in River Jordan

GG was a staunch Christian to an extent of attending a pilgrimage in Israel in 2014. Following on the footsteps of Jesus Christ, GG was baptized in River Jordan. Christians can attest that this is not a simple fit.

He trained martial arts

GG trained martial arts and become a Black Belt in Taekwondo. In 1982, he became the Vice President of World Taekwondo Federation as well as a national patron of the Kenya Taekwondo Association.

The oldest Doctorate candidate

At the age of 78, GG became the oldest Doctorate Candidate to graduate from the University of Nairobi. He graduated in 2015 with a PhD in International Relations.

He never tasted alcohol in his entire life

Even Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura found it peculiar how the late Kariuki, at his age, could still manage to take a PhD course.

“During one of our conversations with Kariuki, I asked him how he could still pursue a PhD at his old age. He told me that apart from proper planning and passion for education, he never tasted alcohol in his life and that helped his mind concentrate in education,” said Senator Gitura, who was speaking to a congregation at St Andrew’s PCEA in Nairobi.