The United Nations Secretary-General has mourned retired President Mwai Kibaki as a leader who made an important contribution to Kenya’s development.
In a statement by Eri Kaneko, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said he was saddened to learn about the death of Kibaki.
“He extends his deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Kenya…The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue working closely with Kenya to promote peace, security and sustainable development in East Africa and beyond,” the statement released on Monday said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a presidential proclamation on Friday, April 22, announcing the passing on of the retired President who also served as Kenya’s fourth Vice President. Various leaders have mourned the former President across the continent.
African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki said he was deeply saddened by Kibaki’s passing.
“My sincere condolences to his family, president Uhuru Kenyatta, the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya. May his soul rest in peace,” he said in a tweet.
The East African Community Secretariat conveyed its deepest sympathy to the family, government and Kenyans on Friday. EAC Secretary General Dr Peter Mathuki said Kibaki served with distinction as a member and chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit, and signed all the key protocols of the EAC.
The Secretariat lowered flags to half mast and opened a special condolences book in honour of the late Kibaki. In Its weekly newsletter, the Secretariat said Kibaki was instrumental in steering the agenda of the re-establishment of the EAC, signing the Customs Union Protocol in 2005 and the Common Market Protocol in 2009.
“The Kibaki administration did a lot of preparatory negotiations for the East African Monetary Union Protocol that was signed in 2013,” the Secretariat said.
It noted that with his demise, the Community had lost an illustrious son who believed in and always upheld the ideals of regional integration.
“The former President believed in the dream of a political federation of East Africa with a bigger market that would ensure prosperity for all East Africans… Kibaki also pushed for policies that had ramifications in the region and beyond. He oversaw the revitalization of the civil service, spurred both local and foreign direct investment and rejuvenated economic growth through increased tax revenues,” the newsletter further noted.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan described Kibaki as Africa’s finest sons and a dedicated public servant, while her Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni termed the Kibaki’s passing as “a sorrowful moment for the people of Kenya, the East African Community and the African Continent”
Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye also sent his condolences. President Paul Kagane of Rwanda said Kibaki’s dedication to the economic transformation of Kenya and his work towards regional integration will be remembered for many generations.
“The people of Rwanda stand with Kenya during this time,” his statement said.
Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema said he was deeply saddened to learn of Kibaki’s death, a leader he termed as “great son of Africa”.
