Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Alfred Mutua has mourned the businessman and politician Francis Kiambi.
Kiambi was found dead in his bedroom on Monday morning in his Karen residence by his wife, Mary Waigwe Muthoni.
She said she had refused to provide him collateral for a Sh2 billion loan so he could open a business.
Mutua described Kiambi as an astute entrepreneur and leader. He was 50.
"He was an industrious, humble and development-conscious man," the CS said.
He recalled that in 2017, Kiambi vied for the Tharaka Nithi senatorial seat on the Maendeleo Chap Chap ticket.
He lost but remained an active opinion leader in the community.
"His contribution to the growth of Maendeleo Chap Chap party upon its formation was quite significant," Mutua said.
The CS urged all the party friends in Tharaka Nithi and beyond to remember his family in prayers during this difficult time.
He assured Kiambi's family of the party's support.
"We stand with you. We are family and your grief is our grief."
Other leaders, including Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, have also mourned him.
"We will remember him as an astute business leader whose acumen saw him establish one of the largest manufacturing industries in Kenya employing hundreds directly and impacting thousands," Kindiki said.
A police report indicates his wife Mary Muthoni discovered his body in the wee hours of Monday before informing the police.
"The couple had some domestic differences since the reportee [his wife] had refused to guarantee the deceased a loan of Sh2 billion which he intended to take to open a business," the police said in their report.
Investigation into the cause of his death is underway.
(Edited by V. Graham)