Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has condoled Naivas chairman Simon Gashwe Mukuha who died on Monday.
On Wednesday, the governor paid tribute to the deceased praising him for steering the firm to great heights over the years.
"Through sheer hard work and honesty, Mr. Mukuha steered the Naivas brand from the humble beginnings in Rongai as Rongai Self Services stores in 1992, to a leading national brand and a major employer nationwide," read part of Kinyanjui's post.
While acknowledging Gashwe's positive influence of his leadership in the entire Nakuru County, Kinyanjui lauded the selflessness character in the deceased.
"Despite the major strides the company had made, Mr. Gashwe remained humble and approachable. He remained resolute in his quest to grow Naivas supermarkets, while at the same time impacting positively on other people’s lives," added Kinyanjui.
Gashwe's death was announced by Naivas supermarket Chief Operations Officer Willy Kimani.
“Mr Mukuha has passed on this (Monday) evening at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi where he was undergoing treatment after suffering a heart attack,” Kimani said.
The family-owned enterprise rose under Gashwe's leadership and Kimani who is the acting managing director of the retailer.