He loved forests and he died in one. That is not all; Peter Kirigua was the chairman of the Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) board between 2013 and 2016.
As such, his collapse and subsequent death inside Karura Forest on Jamhuri Day have not been lost on observers. Among those who have commented on the coincidence is Ms Charity Munyasya, Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests.
“He breathed his last while visiting Karura Forest on Jamhuri Day. He had spent the day walking in the forest, enjoying a visit to the caves. After a picnic lunch at Amani Gardens, he collapsed and was rushed to hospital, where efforts to resuscitate him did not bear fruit,” she said in a statement.
Nation.Africa understands that Mr Kirigua was rushed to the hospital but it was too late to save him.
Mr Kirigua, an alumnus of Kangaru School, also left a mark in Kenya’s entrepreneurship space. His leaves behind widow Winfred Wairimu. By picking letters from his first name “Peter” and hers, “Winfred”, they gave a name to a company they started in 2008—Pewin Cabs. It has since rebranded to PTG Cabs and it offers various solutions in the taxi hailing market.
Mr Kirigua died aged 74. He worked at Mobil Oil Kenya from 1973 to 1982 as a financial analyst and later at DT Dobie in various capacities between 1982 and 2011. He then went into business and public service.
His appointment as the KFS board chairman was executed by the then president, Mwai Kibaki, through a notice in the March 1, 2013 edition of the Kenya Gazette. This was slightly over a month before Kibaki handed over the reins to Uhuru Kenyatta.
“His visionary leadership ensured the service was re-categorised from 3C to 3A, hence improving staff welfare. He remained categorical on the issue of reclaiming degraded forests, and greatly supported the rehabilitation of Mau Forest Complex, among other forests. Greatly admired by many, he ensured the Kenya Forest Service was able to get adequate resources to run its operations and purchase new equipment,” she noted.
“Up to his last day, Mr Kirigua shared his vision for the forest sector by making proposals that would boost tree growing in the country, including the establishment of a tissue culture tree nursery,” she added.
“Peter was an astute businessman and entrepreneur who mentored many of us and constantly provided his wise counsel whenever it was sought, as regards how to make the right decision on where to invest,” posted Mr Gachagua on his social media handles.
“Peter also comes from the land of my mother and was a strong proponent of the importance of history and culture. In fact, in my last engagement with him earlier this year, he again reminded me of the importance of preserving our culture and celebrating our traditions,” added Mr Gachagua, referring to the fact that Mr Kirigua comes from Igoji in Meru County.
A death announcement by Mr Kirigua’s family indicated that he had four children, all of whom are married, and 13 grandchildren.
His second born, Mr Christopher Kirigua, is the deputy head of mission at the Kenyan Embassy in the US. Before taking up the role, he was the director-general of the public private partnerships at the Treasury.
The family added that a memorial service would be held on Thursday at St John the Evangelist in Karen, followed by a private interment ceremony. Family and friends have been holding meetings at the Kiriguas’ Karen home to mourn him.
In another tribute, real estate entrepreneur Mwenda Thuranira observed that Mr Kirigua’s impact on Karura is felt to date.
“As chairman of the Kenya Forest Service, his unwavering dedication was instrumental in saving Karura Forest from being taken away. If not for his tireless efforts, our cherished Saturday morning runs through those tranquil paths would have never been possible. His legacy of stewardship continues to inspire and benefit countless lives,” he posted on his TikTok account alongside a video of him speaking at a memorial for Mr Kirigua on Tuesday.
KFS tributes also took note of his emotional intelligence, a virtue that made it easy for him to connect with many.
“He treated the lowly with as much respect as the senior,” said Ms Munyasya. “His outgoing personality and character ensured he succeeded in the business arena, rubbing shoulders with the mighty, not only in Kenya but in other countries.”
