By Sarah Omondi
Immediate former President Mwai Kibaki has died aged ninety years old.
The announcement was made by President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 22.
“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. He was a quintessential patriot, whose legacy of civic responsibility will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans long into the future,” Mr Kenyatta said.
The Head of State said the third President will be remembered for the values by which he lived, the ideals he embraced, his dignity, his diligence, candor, and concern for the well-being of all Kenyans.
Kibaki’s contributions in the Ministry of Finance and as Vice President, the President said, saw Kenya’s economy grow steadily, fueled by a commodities boom, and fiscal and monetary policies that were the backbone of his economic philosophy.
While condoling with the bereaved family, Mr Kenyatta said Kibaki’s adminstration (2002-2013) spearheaded transformation in several sectors such as education, Infrastructure and health
“In honour of this great Statesman, Kenya remains committed to maintaining policies that promote economic and social empowerment, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he said.
The President declared a period of national mourning and flying of national flags at half-mast until a State burial, whose date is yet to be communicated, is held for the late President.
The nonagenarian will be accorded a State funeral with full military honours and protocols being rendered and observed.
“The President, Deputy President, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, Kenya’s Diplomats abroad and whosoever else is so authorized by law, shall not fly the national flag on their official motorcade from today until sunset on the day of his interment,” Mr Kenyatta directed.
The late President served as President for 10 years and MP for 50 years (1963-2013).
Mr Kibaki was first elected Donholm MP in 1963. The constituency was renamed as Bahati and currently Makadara.
He was during the time appointed by late first President Jomo Kenyatta Permanent Secretary for Treasury and later Assistant Minister of Finance in 1966.
Mr Kibaki later became Cabinet Minister of Commerce and Industry before taking over the Finance and Economic Planning docket as a Minister in 1969.
He would in 1974 shift the focus on his native politics and was elected as Othaya MP and reelected until 2007 when Mary Wambui took over.
The leader also served as Vice President for 10 years from 1978 under late President Daniel Moi regime.
He quit the position over differences with Moi becoming an opposition MP from 1992 to 2002 when he was elected the third President after two unsuccessful attempts in 1992 and 1997.
Several leaders have mourned the late President as astute and development oriented leader who transformed the country during his tenure.
Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua said Kibaki’s enormous contribution to nation building before and during his presidency will forever be remembered.
Mandera Governor Ali Roba said Kenya had lost a true democrat who had country’s interests at heart.
“He was our great hero of all time,” Mr Roba said.
The father of four was born in Gatuyaini village in Nyeri in 1931 and married to late Lucy Muthoni.
