A Kenya Army general who led a task force that fought the war against the Covid-19 pandemic has died.
Amb. Maj Gen (Rtd) Ayub Guantai Matiiri collapsed in his house in Nairobi and was pronounced dead on arrival at AAR hospital along Kiambu Road two weeks ago.
He was until his demise, he was an ambassador of Kenya to the Arab Republic of Egypt.
He had come to Nairobi when he died, the family said.
Maj Gen Matiiri was the head of the National Multi-Agency Command Centre tasked with controlling the spread of coronavirus which bore fruits.
As the head of the team, he at one time ordered the arrest of the senior presidential escort officer for flouting the rules.
His observation was that most of the violators of the curfew order were police officers and army officers.
The officer had come to a roadblock at late hours which was under curfew yet he was not on duty.
He ordered that he be detained at Embakasi police cells.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri before his appointment as an Ambassador served previously in the Kenya Defense Forces as the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC EASTCOM) where his exemplary leadership skills were felt.
President William Ruto in a speech described Maj Gen Matiiri as a dedicated officer whose training locally and internationally made him have the requisite knowledge and skills that saw him serve diligently in the military as well as an Ambassador to the Arab County of Egypt.
Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Ogolla acknowledged the role Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri played during the fight against Covid-19 that helped curb the spread and eventual management of the pandemic.
Lt Gen Ogolla pointed out the outstanding leadership skills that made it possible for the General to be awarded eight medals of honor among them the Order of the Burning Spear and Uzalendo Awards.
Also sharing the message of hope and condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Commander Kenya Army Lt Gen Peter Njiru reiterated the great achievements Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri achieved while serving in the military as GOC EASTCOM and as Brigade Commander of Armoured Brigade among many other appointments where he excelled as he rose in ranks within the 42 years in service.
UK Representatives, Military, Family members, those who worked with him in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of Njuri Ncheke, relatives and friends from all calibers of life paid their tributes praising him in one way or the other.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri was accorded a full military send off which culminated in a 21-gun salute accompanied by the last post, long reveille and other necessary military burial rites.
He was laid to rest shortly after the 1530hrs Thursday, April 6 2023 at Thiiri Cultural Centre at Kithoka, Meru County.
Those present mourned Maj Gen Matiiri as a family man and a gallant soldier who anchored his life in values of discipline, selflessness, hard work, courage, determination and perseverance as a legacy he left for them to embrace.
The VCDF praised Matiiri as a team leader and player who distinguished himself in various capacities as he rose in the ranks.
Lt Gen Ogolla pointed out that the late 42 years in service saw him serve diligently more so during his tenure as Brigade Commander of the Armoured Brigade where his legacy is in the books of history.
All this is anchored in military professionalism as a core value.
“The General’s legacy will continue to be remembered by KDF at all levels, his 42 years in service show him diligently perform his duties that many officers and service members admired. He was a leader who distinguished himself as a leader and team player,” said Lt Gen Ogolla.
The VCDF assured Matiiri’s family of the military’s support and commitment that will ensure befitted sendoff of their loved one.
Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri was enlisted to KDF in 1980 and later commissioned in 1982.
