Uhuru Leads Kenyans in Mourning Former President Mwai Kibaki

President Kenyatta has led the nation in mourning the death of Kenya’s third president Mwai Kibaki, who died on Friday aged 90.

In his message of condolence, Kenyatta eulogized Kibaki as an icon and gentleman of Kenyan politics.

“Mwai Kibaki lives on in the hearts of millions of Kenyans, East Africans and Africans who benefited from his leadership, admired his character, and were inspired by his example. Mwai Kibaki lives on in our fond memories of his strength of will, charm, wit, and his passionate love of God, family, nation, and humanity,” said Uhuru.

Deputy President William Ruto described the former president as an outstanding economist and a pacesetter, who laid the foundation for other leaders to emulate.

“He has laid the solid foundation upon which the rest of us are building on and he has been a great inspiration for the Kenya Kwanza team, especially his focus on the economy of our country that today is our focus,” Ruto eulogized.

ODM leader Raila Odinga, who worked with Kibaki under the grand coalition government, mourned him as a freedom fighter in the pre-and post-independence Kenya.

“Mwai Kibaki is one of the freedom fighters of the country; he has served this country for many years with diligence, fortitude, honesty and transparency,” said Odinga.

He added: "Nobody was better than Mwai Kibaki when it came to creating team spirit and inspiring his ministers."

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka termed Kibaki as a cheerful leader who portrayed a spirit of selfless leadership.

"Kibaki is an iconic father figure in this nation; I had the singular privilege of serving as the vice president. There are very few leaders even in the African continent with the spirit of selflessness and a singular sense of purpose to their people," he stated.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said Kibaki will be remembered as a "gentle but prolific leader who placed Kenya on a pedestal of economic transformation and served our nation with unparalleled dedication, a clear sense of public service and duty, for close to half a century."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said Kibaki was 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.”

Kibaki, who served as Kenya’s third president between 2002 and 2013, leaves behind four children; Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagai, and Tony Githinji.