Billionaire Chris Kirubi who was flown for treatment to the US in November last year appears to be responding well to treatment – and now venturing out.
A photo shared on social media, the first since he started treatment, shows the business mogul looking frail and weak but jovial. In the photo Kirubi, wearing a red cap and an oversize jacket, is seen embracing the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry national chairman Kiprono Kitony, who is also the chairman of Radio Africa Group.
It’s not clear where the photo was taken, but it looks like a social gathering or business-related event, which points to the fact that Kirubi, who has been diagnosed with cancer, is well on the road to recovery. The silence from his family and business associates since November has raised concerns about his health. He had been treated at a Kenyan hospital for two weeks before leaving the country.
Many Kenyans have taken to social media to wish the flamboyant businessman quick recovery.
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. That makes it hard to plan the day.”- E.B. White
— Chris Kirubi (@CKirubi) March 14, 2018
His illness was first reported to staff at Centum Investments, a publicly listed firm for which serves as chairman and is majority shareholder. Centum CEO James Mworia, in a memo sent to the staff, said Kirubi has travelled to the US for specialized treatment but did not disclose what was ailing the business mogul.
“Instead, Dr Kirubi, whom I spent time with on Monday and saw off at the airport, and have spoken to on multiple occasions since, remains in good spirits and actively engaged on business matters in his usual endearing fashion,” Mr Mworia said in November.
There has been speculation over his wellbeing, with some saying he was in critical condition and had been admitted in the ICU.
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Mr Kirubi, who is in his seventies, has wide-ranging business interests in publicly listed as well as private companies. He is the single-largest shareholder of Centum Investments with a 28.64% stake. One of Kenya’s most prolific businessmen, Mr Kirubi, know in shorthand as CK, holds leadership positions in at least 10 companies and organisations.
His business interests are diverse, ranging from broadcasting (Capital Media Group), to manufacturing, Haco Tiger Brands.
Wishing Chris Kirubi all of the best. He is one of my role models. His business acumen in media and real estate is unchallenged. A leader Kenya needs to live for a long time. God bless him. https://t.co/GAqy6EHuSA
— Jessie ???? (@JMKTV) March 15, 2018
An alumnus of the Harvard Business School, he chairs the board of Haco Tiger Brands where he has a 49% stake. He also heads the board of Nairobi Bottlers, a local franchisee of Coca-Cola, which accounts for 47% of all beverage sales in Kenya.
Money cannot buy life. Look at Chris Kirubi! pic.twitter.com/DgoOl2qZA5
— Duncan Makori (@EngnrDan) March 14, 2018
Chris kirubi seems more unwell. God who heal & forgive should visit Chris on his bed & touch his condition for good. Diseases are not part of our life/body cos our body is the Temple of Almighty God.
Jesus take the wheel to kirubi @Asamoh_ @JKNjenga #Speedrecoverychriskirubi pic.twitter.com/arYISTJ7VG— Eric Ndemange (@_ericndemange) March 15, 2018
In June 2017, it became public that Mr Kirubi owns 45% of agrochemical firm Bayer East Africa, a firm that is set for a merger with the local subsidiary of Monsanto as part of a larger global transaction valued at Ksh6.2 trillion.
He says property is the foundation of his business empire and International House in Nairobi’s Central Business District is one of his most iconic investments. Through Centum Investments, he has an interest in some of East Africa’s most ambitious property developments including Two Rivers in Gigiri and the Pearl Marina Project in Uganda.
Mr Kirubi champions efforts to market Kenya to investors and tourists as chairman of the Brand Kenya Initiative.
Money is not everything.People are https://t.co/857Adb1lId you live on earth and exit the earth is determined by how you related to people around you.Chris Kirubi had money and never cared about a well knit family and the ill wealth created can’t give good health and peace
— Erick Atitwa (@AtitwaGmail) March 15, 2018
Mr CK you will make it as God is with you? am a colon cancer survivor if He did for me He will also do it for you . Never loose hope just fully trust in God.