The tenure of the late President Emilio Mwai Kibaki, who died on Friday, April 22, was characterised by a number of light moments.
Born on November 15, 1931, Kibaki ascended to power in 2002, ending the 24-year rule of his predecessor, the late Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi.
Kibaki before becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces had served as the Minister for Finance, Home Affairs, and Health, under Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi. Kibaki became Kenya's 4th Vice President in 1978, serving in that position until 1988.
His 10-year tenure as President was characterised by humour which he delivered mostly in Swahili. One of his most outstanding humorous lines was mavi ya kuku, loosely translating to chicken droppings.
In 2004, Kibaki made highlights after his address to the nation was cut short by light rains which forced the attendees to leave the venue.
The President went ahead to mock his presidential escort driver for 'running away' from the rain. "Mwambie arudi nyuma, ni pumbavu kabisa, (tell him to come back here, he is such a fool)," Kibaki said to his driver.
In 2005, Kibaki also made headlines after he threw shade cattle rustlers, castigating them for their attacks. The late President wondered if the cattle rustlers ever use their brains. "Huna maana wewe, ni binadamu ya mavi ya kuku (You have no value as a human being, you are as useless as chicken droppings)."
Speaking on Free Primary Education, Kibaki castigated parents who failed to enroll their kids in school despite the government's efforts.
"Mtu kama huyo ni bure kabisa, anahitaji kutwangwa makofi (such a person is very useless, they should be slapped."
In another light moment, the Third President called out school heads and teachers accused of drinking too much alcohol.
"When we see so many drunkard teachers in so many schools, I am telling you, we are educating our children by mistake."
In 2007 during the General Election campaigns, Kibaki mocked youths who heckled him while on the campaign trail.
"Mkule pombe mkiwa pekee yenu huko (go drink alcohol alone, do not bring it here)", stated Kibaki.
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On family planning, the late President in 2010 was quoted as saying: "Sio lazima kila siku ya pili ya tatu eti wewe lazima uproduce mtoto. What the hell? Hapana. Hiyo ni kukosa adabu (it is not mandatory that you produce kids after every two days, what the hell! No way, that is lack of manners)."
In 2012, Kibaki challenged the outlawed Mombasa Republic Council (MRC) over its demands.
"Ikiwa unataka fujo, wewe tokea, tunataka kukuona (If you want violence, come out in public, we want to see you)."
After he was reportedly rigged out in the 1988 mlolongo elections, he protested in anger with one of his famous statement: "Even rigging requires some little intelligence".
According to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kibaki who passed on Friday, April 22, will be remembered as a dedicated public servant.
"Mwai Kibaki lived a dedicated life of public service. We salute a notable father figure in the chronicles of our Nation. A leader who strove so hard and accomplished so much for his country. A Nation he so deeply cherished and served with commitment and an unbending will to improve the lives of our people," Uhuru stated.
