Veteran Kenyan politician, Charles Rubia, dies aged 96

Charles Rubia, a veteran of Kenyan political history and first African mayor of Nairobi, has died aged 96 at his home, according to his lawyer Irungu Kangata.

Kangata said “He passed on today at his home, he had been in good health, even driving himself.  He was not sick”.

Alongside the late Kenneth Matiba, Rubia was a fierce advocate for multiparty democracy during the 1990s.

Both men were arrested and detained during the presidency of Daniel Arap Moi, before public pressure led to their release.

President Uhuru Kenyatta led the tributes to Rubia, describing him as a true patriot who dedicated his life to service of his country.

“As the first African mayor, Mzee Rubia was key to the development of Nairobi city, making it an effective economic hub for East and Central Africa.

“It was during his era, as the city father, that Nairobi earned the title ‘The Green City in the Sun’, due to his outstanding efforts of keeping the city clean and orderly”.

Photo credit: Standard Media