Kenya’s 3rd president Mwai Kibaki has died at the age of 90.
The announcement was made by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday. Uhuru lauded Kibaki as ‘a gentleman in Kenyan politics.’
Uhuru announced Kibaki’s passing at a press conference in State House some minutes past 12 noon.
Kibaki served as Kenya’s president from 2002 to 2013, presiding over a period of rapid economic growth, after 24 years of stalled growth under his predecessor. His legacy is still celebrated today, and future presidents will always be measured against it.
President Uhuru has declared a period of national mourning from today until when the late president is laid to rest. Flags will fly at half-mast. Further, the Deputy-President, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Senate, Kenya’s Diplomats abroad and anyone else authorized to fly the national flag on their cars shall not do so during this period.
Mwai Kibaki lived an illustrious life, serving Kenya in different high profile capacities, among them Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament (Donholm and Othaya), Vice President, Opposition leader, and finally President.
Among his cabinet positions were: Minister for Finance (1969–1981), Minister for Home Affairs (1982–1988) and Minister for Health (1988–1991).
By the time he left parliament in 2013, Kibaki was the longest serving MP, having served uninterrupted from 1963.
While the cause of death was not provided, Kibaki has been suffering declining health over many years, first after his 2002 road accident, and then due to old age.
Read the full statement by Uhuru Kenyatta.
Here are some of the reactions from notable people on social media.
DP Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, and Moses Wetangula pay tribute to the late Mwai Kibaki pic.twitter.com/LPlBZPDJ9A
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) April 22, 2022
I join my fellow countrymen & women in celebrating the life of the 3rd President of our Republic.We thank you for everything you did for our Nation. Rest in Peace Your Excellency President Emilio Mwai Kibaki. May God comfort the family of our late President & the people of Kenya.
— Nzioka Waita, MGH (@NziokaWaita) April 22, 2022
RIP mzee Mwai Kibaki.
He has left a legacy that will stay with generations.
He has the best interest of Kenyans at heart.
— Ahmed Mohamed ((ASMALi)) (@Asmali77) April 22, 2022
My condolences to the family and friends of the Retired President Mwai Kibaki. He was a true leader, a game changer in politics and we will remember him for the great development he accomplished as a President.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/xrTIGuFk8B— Hon. Sabina Chege (@SABINACHEGE) April 22, 2022
Farewell Emilio Mwai Kibaki. You served your country well, everything considered.
— David Makali (@davidmakali1) April 22, 2022
From Allah We Come. To Allah We Surely Return. RIP President Kibaki pic.twitter.com/Hzo5dBFMlX
— Dr Willy M Mutunga, Chief Justice, Kenya (2011-16) (@WMutunga) April 22, 2022
Arguably the best President Kenya ever had. Cool, humorous, hardworking and focused. Pres. Mwai Kibaki will be remembered for initiating economic and infrastructural transformation and ensuring the completion of the constitution reforms process. Go well Kiongozi #RIPMzeeKibaki
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) April 22, 2022
President Kibaki was a GREAT President
Such excellent LEGACIES do not die..
Kibaki with no Airport or Park to his name lives on…
Kibaki with admirable Economic management to his name, LIVES on..
His legacy was not written on roads and buildings, but in our hearts!#Kenya
— -Dennis Itumbi, CBS (@OleItumbi) April 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/BishopWanjiru/status/1517441514309394433
Buriani Mzee Emilio Mwai Kibaki. Kenya's third President. He rests at the age of 91 years. @citizentvkenya pic.twitter.com/VpXQZ1xKi8
— Francis Gachuri (@Fchurii) April 22, 2022
Tank you for everything, Mr. President. Kenya is grateful for your service, Hon. Mwai Kibaki.#RIP #RIPMwaiKibaki #Kenya pic.twitter.com/K0gBL3nkJj
— Maina Kageni (@ItsMainaKageni) April 22, 2022
Kenya’s longest serving Member of Parliament is gone. Fare-thee-Well Emilio Mwai Kibaki.
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) April 22, 2022
The best that Kenya ever had. Rest in peace Mzee Mwai Kibaki pic.twitter.com/bxZnQnUrhd
— Hon.Mithika Linturi, EGH (@mithika_Linturi) April 22, 2022
