'Mentor, selfless friend': Life and times of late businessman Francis Kiambi

Entrepreneur and businessman Francis Kiambi alias ‘Matanka’ was found dead in his Karen home on Monday morning.

Police reports indicated that Kiambi’s mysterious death occurred after a night of merry-making with his wife where the two later briefly engaged in an altercation after she allegedly refused to be his guarantor in securing a Ksh.2 billion loan he was seeking to open a business.

The astute business icon has since been the talk of the town, especially in his hometown in Tharaka Nithi County where residents still mourn his death as a life changer and a dear friend to society.

Matanka, which many thought to be his real name, is only a moniker derived from the watermelon business he started at some stage in his life.

Born on January 29, 1973 in Nkarini, Tharaka Nithi, Matanka, as many now call him, was the second born in a family of four.

His father, Cyrus Kiriro, had two wives, with Kiambi’s mother Priscilla Kiriro having four children while his stepmother Caroline Mutani had eight children.

According to his elder sister Jerica Kiriro, Kiambi attended Karini Primary School in 1980 and later Miathene Boys High School in Kianjahi for his A-level and O-level studies. He completed his secondary education in 1991 and pursued higher education in the university up to 1997.

Matanka was later employed by a Chinese Company where he embarked on his alcohol business before later venturing into the timber industry and then moving on to Congo. He is the founder of Patiala Distillers Kenya.

Tharaka locals remember Matanka for his selfless and transformative deeds in his home throughout his life.

From introducing watermelons in 2005 and millet in 2012, the residents say his brilliance in agri-business was unmatched and will forever be a game-changer in the farming industry.

“He planted a lot of melons. He urged people to plant watermelons and that is where the name ‘Matanka’ came from,” his elder sister says regarding his nickname.

In 2007, the businessman-cum-politician made his first stab at the MP seat but unsuccessfully lost in the elections. He also vied for the Tharaka Nithi County Senatorial seat in 2017 but was trounced by Prof. Kithure Kindiki.

Those who were close to him testify to how he remained optimistic despite election loss and continued to support the lowly in society and was labelled a mentor.

Bernard Mbai, a fish farmer in Nkalen, recounts how Matanka shared the fish idea and supported him financially to become a reputable entrepreneur in the county.

He remembers Matanka for his philanthropic nature to see his community soar to greatness by building a self-sponsored school and promoting a section of the youth to go abroad and learn business ideas.

“He has really helped us..he built a school here in Nkalen, mixed day secondary school. He would pay the teachers before the government intervened and brought teachers into the school. He has taken people to Dubai to learn about business and agro-farming such as fish farming; how to rear the fish and its benefits like myself,” Mbai said.

Following his death, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also mourned the slain businessman highlighting his generous and selfless personality.

As the family and friends await the conclusion of the probe on the death of Matanka, his sister remembers her sibling as a people-friendly person devoid of enemies who will forever be missed for his wholeheartedness.

“Matanka did not discriminate in helping the people…was for all, supported children with fees, hospital bills, bought welding machines and boda bodas for the youth. We have never heard of any person who is an enemy to Matanka,” she states.