Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's exemplary academic prowess was manifested in his early days at school, narrates the Sunday Standard.
Loved and hated in equal measure, Matiang'i's strict observation of rules has been termed by his peers as 'norm'.
While at Kiabonyoru High School in Nyamira in 70s, Matiang'i is said to have assumed the roles of student-teacher by teaching his colleagues when teachers were absent.
"He used to teach his fellow colleagues whenever teachers were not around. Actually, it earned hom a nickname "Nusu Mwalimu'," says the current principal Richard Ariemba.
With his performamce above average, he was quickly elavated from dorm prefect to kitchen prefect.
"He was bright and focused and in fact, that is how he was elevated from dorm to kitchen prefect," recalls Livingstone Okwoyo, his former English teacher.
Later, Matiang'i would earn an admission to Kisii High School for advanced studies before joining University of Nairobi.
Throughout his stay in government, Matiang'i has at least left a mark in various ministries he has served since 2013.