‘A Notable Father Figure, The Gentleman Of Kenyan Politics,’ President Kenyatta Eulogizes Kibaki

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr, 22 – While addressing the nation at State House Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta broke the sad news that Kenya’s third president Mwai Kibaki had died at the age of 90.

As a somber mood engulfed the nation, Kenyatta via a presidential proclamation hailed the late president’s distinguished years in public service further describing him as a notable father figure in the chronicles of the country.

“A leader who strove so hard and accomplished so much for his country. A Nation he so deeply cherished and served with commitment and an unbending will to improve the lives of our people. As we mourn this immeasurable loss, we recall with eternal gratitude President Kibaki’s patriotic journey in service to his country, which can be traced way back to Kenya’s fight for liberation,” said Kenyatta.

Kenyatta said that during his time as a University Lecturer, a legislator, a Member of Parliament for five Decades, a Cabinet Minister, a Vice-President, the official leader of the opposition, and finally as the third President of the Republic of Kenya, Kibaki inspired generations of Kenyans.

“We remember the values by which he lived, the ideals he embraced, his dignity, his diligence, candor, and concern for the well-being of all Kenyans,” he said.

With his legacy no doubt being cemented in Kenya’s post-independence history, Kenyatta noted that Kibaki’s brilliant debating and oratory skills distinguished him from the rest of his contemporaries as he was able to charm and endear himself to Kenyans.

As Finance Minister and as Vice President, he was credited for spurring Kenya’s economic growth, which was fueled by a commodity boom, and fiscal and monetary policies that were said to be the backbone of his economic philosophy.

As Kenya continued to champion multiparty democracy, Kibaki was hailed as an integral member of this noble cause.

“President Kibaki exited from Government and led the charge in keeping the Ruling Party accountable. His contributions to the restoration of multi-party democracy as the Leader of the Official Opposition, combined with his track record and impressive credentials, made Mwai Kibaki the natural choice for selection as the Opposition’s consensus candidate against my own candidature in the 2002 Presidential Election,” said Kenyatta.

During his tenure as president, Kenyatta said that his reforms in the education sector through the globally lauded Free Primary Education Programme enabled Kenyans that had been disenfranchised in the past to acquire a decent education.

Other notables achievements were the infrastructure developments in the transport and energy sector as well as improving access to healthcare for all Kenyans.

Across the region, his leadership style was said to be second to none, as he sought to maintain policies that promoted economic and social empowerment, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

“The late president Kibaki championed the realization of the objectives of the East African Community Common Market of trade liberalization for the citizens of the partner states of the East African Community. His inclusive spirit and conviction for economic empowerment transcended the territory of Kenya towards cross-border economic stability,”

“As we mourn the passing of an Icon, we rejoice in the lifelong companionship he enjoyed with his now-departed wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Lucy Kibaki, and his extended family. Our sincere sympathy to his Children – Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagai, and Tony Githinji, and their families and for all who mourn his passing. As the late Former President served Kenya, Africa, and the World, he remained a deeply devoted family man, an avid golfer, and an earnest Friend to many,” said Kenyatta.

Prior to him leaving the political arena in 2013, Kibaki was also hailed for shepherding Kenya into a new constitutional dispensation.