Environment Minister John Michuki is dead. The 80-year-old minister was admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital on Sunday morning, only two days after arriving from the United Kingdom where he was undergoing treatment.

On Monday, Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua sent a statement to newsrooms in an apparent move to clear the air amid rumours and speculation in the social media about the minister’s health.

In his brief, Dr Mutua said the Kangema MP “was undergoing medical procedures and is responding well to treatment.’’

In a press statement, President Kibaki said Michuki was a focused public servant, a determined businessman and issue-oriented politician.

"Michuki was a true family friend and a dependable ally," said President Kibaki.

Michuki was taken ill early Sunday and was rushed to the Aga Khan University Hospital where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

He flew to the UK a few days before Christmas and had been there since. 

His last official function was the climate change conference in Durban from November 28 to December 9.

At the meeting, he stated Kenya’s determination to help reduce the blow of global warming, but called on the rich countries to boost the poor nations.

Michuki was absent on Monday during the 12th Special Session of the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) Governing Council\Global Ministerial Environment Forum at the UN headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi. President Kibaki was present in the session.

Outstanding career

Michuki was born in 1932 at Muguru village, Lyego Location, Kangema Division in Murang’a County.

He has emerged as one of the prominent and long-serving civil servants and politicians as well as a successful businessman in Kenya.

Michuki has served Kenya in various capacities, including Permanent Secretary in theFinance Ministry, chairman of Kenya Commercial Bank, MP and Cabinet Minister. 

He was currently serving a fourth term as MP for Kangema Constituency.

Michuki gained the reputation of a “ruthless” and efficient manager, who is widely acknowledged as among the best performing ministers in President Kibaki's government.

During his reign as the Minister for Transport, he managed to streamline the sector by bringing order in the industry with the popular “Michuki Rules.”

In the Internal Security ministry, he managed to wipe-out the outlawed Mungiki sect especially in Central Province.

Source: Daily Nation