Respected as one of the most accomplished civil servant and businessman among his peers, the late billionaire Jeremiah Kiereini also had his own shortcomings as a human being.
Mr Kiereini, who died on Monday, rose through ranks to become the head of civil service, the most influential position in government during Daniel Moi's era
In his autobiography A Daunting Journey, which he authored in 2012, Kiereini recalls how he nearly shot JM Kariuki's father-in-law, Mr Harun Muturi, another billionaire at that time.
Muturi was the father to former Solicitor General Njee Muturi, now State House Deputy Chief of Staff. In the book, the oligarch recalls a day in 70s when he had walked to Mayfair Hotel.
While at the hotel with former Police Commissioner Bernard Hinga and GSU Commandant Ben Gethi, Kiereini got provoked when Muturi insulted Attorney General Charles Njonjo and almost shot him dead.
“Thii ukere murumegwo Njonjo ninii ndoiga (Go tell your husband Njonjo, I'm the one who said so),” Muturi curtly said and continued to insult Kiereini.
“I was so enraged at Muturi’s foul and vulgar insult that I decided I would shoot him. I went to my car in an overwhelming rage, to get my gun... I even considered shooting them all! But as I walked out into the fresh air... I came to my senses... went straight home and slept.”
Years later, Njonjo would help President Daniel Moi to ascend to power after the death of Jomo Kenyatta, despite resistance from a section of Mt Kenya leaders.
On Tuesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta was among leaders who mourned Mr Kiereini. He termed him as a loyal Kenyan who served people with humility.
“Mr. Kiereini was a polished patriot and loyal Kenyan who served this country with dedication as a public servant for over 30 years rising through the ranks to the position of Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet,” said the President.