Lee Njiru Biography: Age, Books, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Home County
Lee Njiru Biography
Lee Njiru is a prominent Kenyan figure known for his long service as the press secretary to former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi. Born in 1949, Njiru served as a key aide in the Kenyan presidency, particularly under Moi, where he played a significant role in managing the media and the public image of the presidency for over four decades.
Njiru’s career in public service spanned 46 years, with 42 of those years dedicated to working directly with Moi, both during and after his presidency. He is well-known for his meticulous record-keeping, which he attributes to his understanding of the importance of preserving historical events. This habit led to his memoir, President’s Pressman, which provides insider accounts of his experiences and insights into Kenya’s political history. Njiru has announced that he is working on a follow-up to his first memoir, promising more revealing content.
Throughout his career, Njiru was involved in sensitive assignments, including secret dealings and support for various African leaders, like Yoweri Museveni and John Garang, during their revolutionary struggles. His retirement was announced in September 2021, marking the end of an era in Kenya’s civil service. Post-retirement, Njiru remains active in business, owning the Geranium Resort in Nakuru and continuing to reflect on his extensive career.
Lee Njiru Age
Lee Njiru was born in 1949, which makes him 75 years old as of 2024.
Lee Njiru Tribe
Lee Njiru is of the Kikuyu tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya.
Lee Njiru Home County
Lee Njiru hails from Nakuru County, Kenya. He resides in Ngata, a suburb on the outskirts of Nakuru town, where he owns property, including the Geranium Resort.
Lee Njiru Educational Background
Lee Njiru’s educational background includes a degree in journalism, which laid the foundation for his long and distinguished career in public relations and media management.
Lee Njiru Career
Lee Njiru’s career is marked by an unparalleled journey through Kenya’s political landscape, particularly during the regimes of Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel arap Moi. Serving as a press secretary for more than four decades, Njiru became a central figure in managing the public image and communications of the presidency. His career is not only notable for its longevity but also for the pivotal role he played in documenting and influencing the nation’s history. Let’s take a comprehensive look at his career journey:
Early Career and Entry into Public Service
Lee Njiru began his career in public service in the early 1970s, a period when Kenya was still consolidating its post-independence government structures. His entry into the civil service was marked by his appointment as a press officer under President Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president. This role allowed him to develop his skills in media relations and public communication, setting the stage for what would become a long and distinguished career.
Becoming Moi’s Trusted Press Secretary
When Daniel arap Moi ascended to the presidency in 1978, Njiru was appointed as his press secretary, a position he would hold for the next 42 years. This role placed him at the heart of Kenya’s political scene, where he managed the flow of information from the presidency to the public and the media. Njiru was instrumental in crafting the public image of President Moi, particularly during the politically turbulent 1980s and 1990s. His work involved not only traditional press releases and speeches but also the delicate task of managing crises and controlling narratives that could affect the presidency.
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Mastery of Record-Keeping and Historical Documentation
One of the defining aspects of Njiru’s career was his commitment to meticulous record-keeping. He developed a habit of documenting every significant interaction, meeting, and event that he witnessed while serving in the presidency. This practice has given him a vast repository of historical knowledge, making him a walking encyclopedia of Kenya’s political history during the Moi era. Njiru’s detailed diaries and notes have been crucial in preserving the legacy of President Moi, and they served as the foundation for his memoir, President’s Pressman.
The Challenges of Serving Under Moi
Serving as Moi’s press secretary was not without its challenges. The position required Njiru to navigate a complex web of political intrigue, tribalism, and power struggles within the government. Njiru himself has spoken about the difficulties he faced, including backstabbing, envy, and the constant need to protect both his career and the president’s image. Despite these challenges, Njiru’s resilience and strategic acumen allowed him to survive and thrive in a role that many others found too demanding.
Secret Diplomatic Missions and Influence
Njiru’s role extended beyond just managing the media; he was also involved in secret diplomatic missions on behalf of President Moi. These missions included delivering messages and funds to African leaders such as Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and John Garang of Sudan, both of whom were involved in revolutionary movements. Njiru’s discretion and loyalty were critical in these operations, as they often involved sensitive political maneuvers that required absolute confidentiality.
Retirement and Legacy
After a career spanning 46 years, Lee Njiru announced his retirement in 2021. His departure marked the end of an era, not just for him personally but for the Kenyan civil service as a whole. Throughout his career, Njiru had been more than just a press secretary; he had been a custodian of the presidency’s legacy and a key figure in documenting Kenya’s political history. His retirement was met with widespread recognition of his contributions, and he has since focused on compiling his memoirs and engaging in personal business ventures.
Memoirs and Continued Influence
Even in retirement, Lee Njiru continues to shape the narrative of Kenya’s political history through his writings. His memoir, President’s Pressman, offers an insider’s perspective on the workings of the Moi presidency and has been well-received for its candidness and depth of detail. Njiru has indicated that more volumes are to come, promising to reveal even more about the events and decisions that shaped Kenya during his tenure.
Lee Njiru Wife and Children
Information about Lee Njiru’s personal life, including details about his wife and children, is not publicly disclosed. Njiru has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his high-profile career in public service.
Lee Njiru Net Worth
Lee Njiru has an estimated net worth of KES 250,000,000 as of 2024.
FAQs
Who is Lee Njiru?
Lee Njiru is a former Kenyan civil servant who served as the press secretary for President Daniel arap Moi for over 40 years. He is well-known for his extensive documentation of Kenyan political history and his role in managing the public image of the presidency.
What is Lee Njiru’s background in public service?
Njiru began his career as a press officer under President Jomo Kenyatta before becoming the press secretary to President Moi in 1978. He served in this capacity for over four decades, making him one of the longest-serving civil servants in Kenya.
What role did Lee Njiru play during Moi’s presidency?
As Moi’s press secretary, Njiru was responsible for managing communications, handling media relations, and documenting significant events in Kenyan politics. He also participated in secret diplomatic missions and managed delicate political situations.
What is the title of Lee Njiru’s memoir?
Njiru’s memoir is titled President’s Pressman. It offers a detailed account of his experiences working closely with President Moi and his observations of Kenya’s political landscape during Moi’s tenure.
Has Lee Njiru retired from public service?
Yes, Lee Njiru announced his retirement in September 2021 after a 46-year career in the civil service, with 42 of those years spent as President Moi’s press secretary.
What businesses does Lee Njiru own?
Lee Njiru owns the Geranium Resort in Ngata, Nakuru County, and is involved in other business ventures, although specific details about his other businesses are not widely publicized.