Former President Mwai Kibaki is dead, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Friday.
“It is my sorrowful duty to announce to the Nation the passing on of His Excellency Emilio Mwai Kibaki.”
Kibaki was Kenya’s third president, serving between 2002-13 and dies at the age of 90.
Making the announcement from State House Nairobi, President Kenyatta declared a national of mourning period and that flags will fly at half-mast until Kibaki’s remains are interred.
“The Flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at State House and all Kenyan Diplomatic Missions, Public Buildings and Public Grounds, all Military Bases, Posts, and Stations, on all Naval Vessels of the Republic of Kenya, and elsewhere throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya; from today until sunset on the day of his interment,” the President said.
“The President, the Deputy President, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, Kenya’s Diplomats abroad and whomsoever 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,” Uhuru added.
He will be accorded a state funeral.
President Kenyatta mourned Kibaki as a brilliant debater and an earnest friend to many.
“We remember the values by which he lived, the ideals he embraced, his dignity and diligence, his candour and concern for the well being of all Kenyans. His contributions as minister of finance and vice president saw Kenya’s economy grow steadily fuelled by a commodities boom as well as fiscal and monetary policies that were the backbone of his economic philosophy,” the President said.
Deputy President William Ruto speaking in Kakamega said Kibaki was an economist per excellence, and was very involved in Kenya’s economy.
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi termed Kibaki as an outstanding Kenyan, who participated in the liberation of Kenya in the early days from the yoke of colonialism and laid the foundation for the economic fruits Kenya is experiencing today.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula said he remembers him as the most detribalized public leader in Kenya.
“he stood out, made friends far and wide in Kenya and as people of this region [Western] we rember in his landslide win in 2002 his running mate was one of our own Michael Wamalwa Kijana,” Wetamg’ula said.
He said Kibaki will be remembered as a pillar for continental peace in Africa.
Four children Judy, Jimmy, David and Tony Githinji survive Kibaki.
