For a man believed to be worth about Sh189 billion, one would have imagined businessman Manu Chandaria would be leading an ostentatious lifestyle by using his vast wealth to acquire anything he wishes.
But that is far from reality. Despite all the riches at his disposal, Chandaria carries the image of a simple man, perhaps an ordinary Kenyan struggling to earn his family their daily bread.
In a recent interview with a local television station, Chandaria, the billionaire who says he has never found pleasure in primitive accumulation of wealth but prides in acts of benevolence, left many Kenyans astounded with his revelation that he only owns five suits.
“In my wardrobe, there are five suits and three jackets. One new suit comes in, another goes out. I give them out,” the businessman said.
In a past interview with People Daily, the renowned industrialist disclosed that he borrowed the culture from Gandhian philosophy that prohibits one from extravagance but only holding on to what one needs.
Besides, the man behind Chandaria Foundation, a charitable organisation that has become synonymous with the downtrodden and promotion of hard work and honesty, says that other than Mahatma Gandhi, he admires the lifestyle and works of the late Mother Teresa, who he previously hosted four times at his home.
But despite leading that humble lifestyle, Chandaria is the CEO and chairman of the Comcraft Group of Companies and also chairperson of several prominent companies in Africa and the world.
Comcraft indicates on its website that it is present in more than 40 countries.
His entrepreneurship and philanthropic work has seen him being recognised in several countries, among them the United Kingdom.
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