A Kenya Army general who led a task force that fought the war against Covid-19 pandemic has died. 

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.

Until his demise, he was the Kenyan ambassador 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 then senior presidential escort officer for flouting the rules. 

His observation was that most of the violators of the curfew order were police and army officers. The officer had come to a roadblock at late hours, which were under curfew yet he was not on duty.

He then ordered that he be detained at Embakasi police cells.

Before his appointment as an ambassador, the officer served previously in the Kenya Defence Forces as the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, where his exemplarily leadership skills were felt.

The KDF, family and friends gave their tributes in honour of the fallen hero at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi, on Tuesday. 

The memorial service was led by Rt Rev Prof J Galgalo of the Methodist Church jointly with the Military Ordinariate Colonel (Rev) A K Lelei who shared messages of condolences together with family and friends.

They 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 memorial service was attended by, among others, the vice chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Francis Ogolla who delivered messages of condolence from Chief of the Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both serving and retired generals and the rest of the military fraternity.

The VCDF praised Matiiri as a team leader and player who distinguished himself in various capacities as he rose in ranks.

Lt Gen Ogolla said the officer's 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. 

“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,” he said.

The VCDF assured Matiiri’s family of support and commitment that will ensure a befitting sendoff of their loved one.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Matiiri was enlisted to KDF in 1980 and later on commissioned in 1982. The burial will be held on Thursday at Thiiri Cultural Centre at Kithoka, Meru county.