This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Kiambu Business Tycoon John Kinuthia Makumi Dies Aged 89 ¶
Published on December 12, 2019
John Kinuthia Makumi, a self-made billionaire and owner of Lavington Mall, has died at the age of 89. He was known for his humble nature and preferred to lead a private life.
Born in 1930 in Kabete, Kinuthia dropped out of school at the age of 16 to pursue a career in business. He started by selling chicken, which amused his schoolmates.
Despite his humble background and limited education, Kinuthia managed to accumulate property worth billions of shillings in Kiambu, Nairobi, and beyond. He owned several properties, including the iconic Lavington Mall, a 200-acre farm in Loitoktok, Zada Building in Wangige, and the upcoming Wangige Mall.
He was described by his children as humble and always preferred to drive himself rather than fly while inspecting his vast business empire. Kinuthia was also known to be paranoid and secretive, with neighbors painting a picture of a man who never allowed strangers into his life, including distant relatives.
He will be buried on Friday, December 13, at his palatial Rioki village home where he retired to every day after working at his Lavington office.
One of his daughters, Wanjiku Kinuthia, is reported to have unsuccessfully vied for the Kabete Constituency seat in the 2017 General Election.
"In everything that dad did, he strove to create a legacy through his work, his community, and love for his country, family, and friends," she said.
