This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto paid tribute to his staff member Anthony Kariuki, who died last week in an accident on Outering Road.
Dr. Ruto spoke at the funeral service of Mr. Kariuki at PCEA, Ngundu Church in Kamulu, Machakos County, where he was accompanied by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, and his Buuri counterpart Mugambi Rindikiri.
Dr. Ruto described Mr. Kariuki as a man with a tremendous sense of placid disposition, intellect, and a full of positive attitude, saying: 'In any assignment he (Anthony) was involved, you knew it would turn out to be better. He made priceless contributions to my office,' adding that: 'he was inimitable.'
Mr. Kariuki was the Deputy Director of Communications at the Office of the Deputy President (ODP) until his demise. 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, saying: 'He was ever fit to provide counsel and perspective on media and communication issues. Anthony changed the dynamic wherever he was.'
Mr. Mugonyi also noted that Mr. Kariuki was a great communicator, saying: 'Whenever Mr. Kariuki spoke, he was listened to because of the way he said it: quietly, utterly without bombast, but with monumental virtuoso.'
Mr. Kariuki leaves behind a widow Christine Wakio and two children: Darren Macharia and Deina Nyambura.
