Residents of Kiambu remember politician and tycoon Nginyo Kariuki (pictured) as an astute man who never engaged in shoddy deals during his lifetime as a businessman and politician.

They also considered him as stingy, as he would not give handouts during political meetings as his rivals would often do.

Kariuki who vied for the Kiambaa parliamentary between1979  and 1997  became a perennial loser despite his political connections since he would not entice voters unlike Njenga Karume his opponent and his neighbour, former Limuru Mp Kuria Kanyingi, nicknamed “ Mr Money bag” who flaunted his wealth.

They said Kariuki was a man who would rather show you how to fish rather than give you the fish.

In 2002 and 2007 general elections, he vied for the Makadara Parliamentary seat through his National Alliance Party but lost to ex Mp Reuben Ndolo.

The Jubilee spokesperson, Kiambu who formed TNA in a small office in Kiambu’s Indian Bazaar unsuccessfully vied for the Kiambu Senatorial seat in 2013 but lost to the incumbent Kimani wa Matangi.

The filthy rich politician whose story is that of rags to riches rose form transporting manure for sale later became a salesman in madvan sweet company before he ventured into real estate.

His prime properties include Nginyo Towers in the CBD, Lenana Mount hotel, real estates in Kajiado, Kiambu, and Mombasa.

Kariuki also owns a 250 acres Savyndun tea estate in Tigoni, Limuru where he lived with his wife Wangari Nginyo.

Kariuki was among the second liberation crusaders. He was the founding Chairman of The National Alliance (TNA) party which Uhuru used in his successful bid for the Presidency in 2013.

According to his son Antony Nginyo, the politician who has been on dialysis was receiving treatment at a hospital in the United Kingdom and later admitted in Agha khan hospital where he has been in ICU following surgery.

“ My dad has been receiving treatment in the UK for two weeks, but was again he was readmitted at Aghakhan hospital where he went through a successful surgery, but later his health deteriorated and he has been in ICU until his passing on early Monday morning”, he said.

Kariuki will be remembered for his selflessness and efforts to unite all Kenyan communities having hosted Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa

Kariuki who was born in Ndumberi, Kiambu is a renowned golfer who pioneered African golf in Kenya will be remembered as the founder of the unique Ndumberi golf club where he is a patron.

The Golf Club was to enable Africans to play the game which was then exclusively for the white community.

He initially began as a caddy before rising to the top of Kenya's golfing circles.

The golf club is unique as unlike other clubs that are only for the rich, the club host locals with the golf course being at Ndumberi Stadium.

Mwaura Kariuki  his brother was Kiambu Mayor between 1977  and 2002 while Kibuita Kariuki was a councilor in 1992.

Kariuki will also be remembered for his push in the Luo – Kikuyu alliance in the 90’s.