Leaders pay tribute Kenya’s ex-President Mwai Kibaki

Kenya’s former President and longest serving Member of Parliament Emilio Mwai Kibaki has passed on.

His death was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta Friday at State House Nairobi and led Kenyans in mourning Kibaki, who served as President from 2002- 2013.

He served as a legislator, Member of Parliament for Five Decades, a Cabinet Minister, Vice-President, Official Leader of Opposition and finally as the Third President of the Republic of Kenya.

While eulogizing the former Head of State, President Kenyatta described Kibaki as a leader who strove so hard and accomplished so much for his country.

President Kenyatta said Mwai Kibaki was a quintessential patriot, whose legacy of civic responsibility will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans long into the future.

“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,” said the President.

The President said that the late Kibaki will forever remembered as the gentleman of Kenyan Politics, a brilliant debater; whose eloquence, wit, and charm won the day, time and-time again.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I said that he will remember Mzee Kibaki for his unique and admirable style of leadership that singularly focused on the effective management of the affairs of our great nation.

He termed the retired President as a sober and reflective statesman who eschewed flippancy in public service.

“His legendary intolerance for political pettiness and side-shows in favour of national development priorities will remain an entrenched legacy worth of admiration and emulation,” said Matiang’i.

Former Minister of Justice and later Minister for Water in Kibaki’s Government, Eugene Wamalwa termed him as the Father of the Second Republic and Kenya’s foremost Economist.

Wamalwa who now serves as Defence Cabinet Secretary said that the greatest lesson we can learn from his distinguished record in Public Service, is what he said that “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.”

NARC Kenya Party leader Martha Karua noted that Kibaki will be remembered for His enormous contribution to nation building before and during his presidency.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, who served under Kibaki’s administration, said the country had lost a great reformist, a statesman and true gentleman of our Kenyan politics who guided this country out of Economic turmoil.

“A staunchly devout advocate for democracy, President Kibaki guided Kenya into Multiparty democracy from a one party state. Kibaki was a great leader to work with. I join the family, friends and Kenyans in mourning a true friend,” said Mama Ngilu.

Former Vice President and Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi eulogized Mwai Kibaki as a man of great repute who participated in the struggle to liberate our country and who stood firm in his beliefs and laid the foundation for the immense economic progress Kenyans enjoy.

“Indeed, the country has lost a great son, a pioneering industrialist and an outstanding economist,” he said.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said the Nation has lost a true statesman and patriot who served with humility, professionalism and impeccable wisdom.

“Kibaki’s leadership steered the country to economic recovery. I hereby send my deepest heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and all Kenyans for this huge loss. May the Lord rest the late Kibaki’s soul in eternal peace,” Sonko said.