Mastermind Tobacco Limited boss Wilfred Murungi who died on Thursday, June 6, 2019 was one of the most generous and reclusive millionares around Meru and Tharaka Nithi.

The tycoon credited with contributing immensely to the development of the Chogoria area in Tharaka Nithi and other regions often carried out his acts of charity through representatives, keeping away from the limelight.

Apart from his cigarettes company Murungi was one of the founders of Key Microfinance Bank which is credited with empowering small and medium sized enterprises in Meru, Nairobi and other parts of the country.

Former Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Ambassador Francis Muthaura and current Key Microfinance Charman Luke Kinoti were his business partners.

Mr Murungi left a footprint in both counties where he had invested heavily and assisted locals.

Tobacco farmers earned decent incomes from Mastermind Tobacco, but also from his magnanimity.

A memo from Mastermind Tobacco Limited directors and signed by Company Secretary R.M Mutuma and dated June 6, announced the passing on of Murungi.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on of our Chairman, Mr M.W. Murungi on June 6, 2019. The Board requests that all staff respect the family’s privacy in this difficult time. Further announcements will be made in due course,” read the memo which was copied to all department managers.

On Thursday, Tharaka Nithi Njuri Ncheke Council of elders’ chairman Jonathan Kangóri sent his condolence to the family, saying Murungi had left an enviable legacy.

Traders at Magutuni market and surrounding villages knew him as a man of means, and one who had their best interests at heart, using his wealth to help them.

Mr Kangóri who hails from Ganga ward neighbouring Murungi’s Mwimbi ward, was full of praise for him.

“He was putting murram on the 20km Keeria-Magutuni-Kathwana road at his own cost. Though the road passes his Magutuni home it benefits people on the 20km stretch. We are happy for what he had done though we are sad to learn he passed on before the project was complete,” Kangóri told The Saturday Standard.

Local tobacco farmers who supplied the leaves to Mastermind gained purchasing power and were able to educate their children.

“He bought tobacco at good prices from farmers in lower parts of Mwimbi, Tharaka, some parts of Meru, Embu and even Mwea. He used part of his wealth to assist community,” he said.

He owned the biggest and most noticeable commercial building at Magutuni market, but had invested heavily in Ngusishi area in Meru, where he had hundreds of acres under barley and wheat.

Simon Kobia, his neighbor at Ngusishi which is in Buuri West, said though Mr Murungi was a highly ‘private’ person, he never shirked responsibility.

“Murungi was extremely private. He was mostly based in Nairobi but always sent his representative to our community meetings. He was a member of our electricity project and played a major role to have us connected,” said Mr Kobia.

Kobia added: “He was generous and liked to delegating duties.”

Students at Kiurani Secondary School where Murungi was board chairman referred to him as ‘Dad’ as he helped in infrastructure and other projects, enabling the school to post good results in national examinations.

He had employed a big number of youth from his home area, and his company is said to be paying sh400 million in salaries and wages.

He supported the Kirumi-Kiamujari water project serving mainly Ganga Ward.

According to MastermindTobacco website they have presence in eight African countries, and it is involved in growing of tobacco, manufacturing and cigarette marketing.

Supermarch is the flagship brand it is mostly known for.