Kenyan Presidential hopeful mourns as former Kenyan President dies

Kenyan politician, presidential hopeful and businessman, Raila Odinga has paid a tribute to former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki who died at 90 on Thursday April 21, 2022.

Odinga,  served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013 and he described the deceased ex-leader as ‘a forthright leader’.

When he worked with and under Kibaki, the ODM leader stated the late President was a wonderful team player who inspired his ministers.

Raila said in his tribute; “I have had the pleasure of working with Kibaki, first as MP during the 7th Parliament, second as his minister for Roads and Public Works and finally as his Prime Minister where we shared the grand coalition government.

“Nobody was better than Kibaki when it came to creating team spirit and in inspiring his ministers.”

Deputy President William Ruto, who was on the campaign trail in Kakamega County, commiserated with Kibaki’s family, saying: “We have lost a great son of our country and a great leader. He has laid a solid foundation upon which the rest of us, leaders, today are building on. To his family and to the people of Kenya, tunasema pole sana.”

Amani National Congress Party leader Musalia Mudavadi, who was also on the campaign trail with Ruto in Kakamega, wished Kibaki eternal rest. He said:
“Kibaki was a politician who stood very firm and laid the foundation for the economic fruits that Kenya is experiencing today, and indeed a politician whom Kenyans voted for overwhelmingly against all odds in 2002. Kenya has lost an illustrious son, a great economist who contributed to Pan-Africanism, who stood out and worked to lay our blueprint today.”

Narc-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua who was former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister in Kibaki’s Government said: “My condolences to the family and friends of the late President Mwai Kibaki. His enormous contribution to nation-building before and during his presidency will forever be remembered. Our prayers are with his family.”

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said in a statement: “I 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…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.”

News Central earlier reported the passing of former President Mwai Kibaki. Kibaki died on the night of Thursday, April 21. He was the third president of the Republic of Kenya from 2002 to 2013. President Uhuru Kenyatta said the former Head of State will be accorded a state funeral.

Uhuru said late Kibaki will be remembered for his role in the realisation of the constitution of Kenya in 2010 and overseeing its implementation.

He stated that all Kenyan flags at all public buildings, ministries, and missions across the world will be flown at half-mast until the day he is buried. He is survived by four children Judy, Jimmy, Tony and David.