[Photo: State House]
A number of leaders gave their tributes during the late retired President Mwai Kibaki’s state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium on Friday – 29th of April 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta remembered Kibaki as an honest and visionary leader.
He recalled Kibaki for his role in restoring peace in Kenya after the 2007 post-election violence, among others.
“President Mwai Kibaki’s superior reasoning was that leadership is not a position but a service. He was ready to serve the country in any position that the people summoned him to,” said the President.
Deputy President William Ruto remembered the late retired president Mwai Kibaki as a great economist and leader.
“We gather here to mourn the departure of a great son of our country. A distinguished servant of the people who rose through the ranks to the highest office. President Uhuru Kenyatta has been a good student of President Kibaki, I know that as his Deputy,” said DP Ruto.
Azimio-One Kenya party presidential aspirant Raila Odinga recalled the handshake between him and Kibaki in 2008, which restored peace after the post-election violence of 2007.
“During the post-election violence, talks had collapsed, Kofi Annan invited Kibaki and I and we agreed to forgo our own interests. Some people wanted to access the room to compel Kibaki not to agree to power sharing but he told them everything was okay,” He said.
International leaders present at the state funeral also gave their tributes.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that Kibaki was a great statesman.
“Relations between South Africa and Kenya continue to be strengthened in terms of sadness and happiness. We remember him for his commitment and leadership in uniting the people of Kenya.”
Ethiopia’s Head of State Sahle-Work Zewde also eulogized Kibaki.
“President Mwai Kibaki was a true friend of Ethiopia, before and even after ascension to presidency.”
At least 10 Heads of State attended the late President Mwai Kibaki’s State funeral.
This is was after the late retired President’s eldest son Jimmy Kibaki commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism while handling the funeral plans for his late father.
While giving a tribute on behalf of his family during Kibaki’s state funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, Jimmy noted that it has been a difficult period for his family, however thanking Kenyans, Kenyan leaders and International leaders for honoring Mzee Kibaki.
“We would like to thank Kenyan citizens who have come out to honor, mourn and grieve Mzee Kibaki with us,” said Jimmy.
Kibaki will be buried in Othaya – Nyeri County on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Kenyatta National Hospital in Othaya has been renamed the Mwai Kibaki hospital, in honor of the late retired Head of State Kibaki.
Senior Director at the hospital Dr. Peter Muiruri says renovations at the Level 6 hospital are currently underway.
The construction of the hospital began in 2010 and was completed in 2019.
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
She is also a firm believer of Christ.