Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge has defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s development record at the Coast, following remarks made during a high-profile political event attended by President William Ruto at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa.
The remarks, which downplayed Uhuru’s contribution to the region, have triggered a fresh political exchange over legacy and infrastructure development in the Coastal counties.
His rise was unconventional. Reports indicate he did not follow a traditional corporate path but instead built his business base through trade and local enterprise.
He became associated with Fai Amarillo Ltd, a winery and alcohol business that placed him at the centre of Naivasha’s brewing industry.
The sector was highly competitive and often controversial, with links to both formal and informal alcohol production, which drew public scrutiny.
Amario’s reputation, however, extended beyond business success. His name was repeatedly mentioned in connection with serious criminal allegations.
Media reports show he was once arrested on suspicion of murder following the disappearance of his estranged wife, Sarah Wanjiru, in 1996.
The case was later dropped after several months in custody, but it left a lasting mark on his public image.
He was also linked to robbery charges involving a businessman, with allegations of theft of a vehicle, jewellery and cash.
He also spent time in Kamiti Maximum Prison, a detail reflected in his memoir, “Fai Amario’s Kamiti Notebook: Prison Memoirs of a Kenyan Industrialist.”
The book confirms his own account of incarceration and presents his perspective on parts of his life behind bars.
His personal life was equally complex. After his death, disputes emerged over his dependants and family structure. Court cases questioned the legitimacy of some relationships and raised disagreements over who qualified as a legal spouse or beneficiary.
In one instance, a court recognized Salome Wanjiku as a beneficiary after a settlement agreement, despite objections from other family members who disputed her status.
Questions also arose over paternity and inheritance rights, deepening tensions within the family.
The succession battle over his estate has remained one of the most prolonged legal disputes in Naivasha.
His wealth was estimated at around Sh760 million, largely tied to land and business assets, including Fai Amarillo Wineries Ltd. Court proceedings have continued for years, with different parties seeking control or recognition in the distribution of his property.
At one point in his life, Amario also showed political ambition, declaring interest in contesting the Naivasha parliamentary seat in 2003. The move reflected his public profile and confidence, but it did not translate into a political career.
Fai Amario’s legacy remains divided. On one side is the story of a self-made businessman who built a recognizable brand in Naivasha’s economy.
On the other is a record marked by criminal allegations, imprisonment, contested relationships and a family estate that continues to fuel legal conflict years after his death.
His life remains part of Kenya’s business history, often cited as an example of how rapid wealth creation, personal controversy and weak succession planning can produce a legacy defined as much by courts as by commerce.