Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki (November 15, 1931 - April 22, 2022)
Mwai Kibaki, a calm orator, a President full of humour and banter, with a passion for development and a track record worth emulating, died on Friday, April 22, 2022.
Remembered for his signature messianic oration, powered by repetition and trademark phrases, Kibaki’s memories will be etched in the memory of Kenyans forever.
Whether he was agreeing with you, Oh Yes! Oh Yes! Or castigating critics while using strong language he was accustomed to, Pumbavu (stupid or foolish), Kibaki cracked jokes and at the same time, strongly defended his legacy.
He pulled the same satirical vein throughout his tenure as President and was not shy to speak his mind. With his wit, oration and eloquence, he charmed his way into the hearts of many.
If not interested in a debate or an argument, a jovial Kibaki would tell you off - Hivyo ndivyo ilivyo (that is the way it is or it is what is).
Kibaki was born for the nation, he lived for the country, fought for it and governed it. For a leader who rose from a humble lecturer to an acclaimed politician, holding several positions of power, Kibaki sacrificed and dedicated his life to public service.
From a Member of Parliament to a Cabinet Minister, Vice President, Official Leader of Opposition and finally, as the 3rd President of the Republic of Kenya, his spirit can be traced in every phase of the growth and development of the nation and all echelons of power.
From freedom fighting to liberation, government, opposition and constitutional amendment.
Just as Aristotle averred that ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’, Kibaki arguably possessed the Midas touch and strength of mind not many can rival.
He excelled at rebuilding the economy both as the longest-serving Finance Minister and President, restoring multi-party democracy as the Leader of the Official Opposition, fighting for human rights and the Constitution and spearheading transformations such as the Free Primary Education.
He also oversaw ambitious infrastructure projects that changed the country, such as the construction of the Thika Superhighway.
As a man ardent at preaching peace, he went miles to share power in 2008 to reunite a divided nation. A rare feat not only for the history books but an embodiment to the young crop of rivalling politicians.
He loved his wife, former First Lady, Mama Lucy Kibaki, and adored his family. In 1959, he met the love of his life, a teacher who once served as a principal. The two clearly had a passion for teaching as Kibaki, prior to joining politics, served as a lecturer.
He clearly held his wife in high regard and would go to any extreme to defend her. In 2009, he called the press to State House to remind Kenyans that he only had one wife.
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As he led a political life, Lucy was the pillar of the family. A strict mother and businesswoman. Her death in April 2016 devastated him. Death called both of them in April, four days apart.
He will be revered for taking fashion cues from top-notch designers. From wearing locally made cotton shirts to executive suits.
But he was also quite private, save for one or two family matters that leaked to the public.
For a man who loved serene environments, where he would calmly enjoy peace and privacy, Kibaki had a taste for exclusive resorts and hotels. His friends say that he loved a drink or two and had an eye for a cold beer.
He kept his friends closer and had a small circle that he invited frequently to merry-make. Nonetheless, he had a strict adherence to calmness and abhorred controversy during the parties.
Kibaki footed the bills and ensured that his friends enjoyed his favourite meal, nyama choma (roast meat) and traditional irio. But he changed his lifestyle and stopped drinking and partying after he was involved in an accident in 2002, months to his election as President.
Doctors advised that it would be better for his health. This was also the end of his love for golf. A young Kibaki was known for teeing off and taking long walks on the golf course.
After his retirement from office, he was said to have spent a few evenings at Muthaiga Golf Club, reminiscing his youthful days when he was a regular member and the patron of the Kenya Golf Union.
In 2018, he was inducted into the Kenya Open Golf Limited Hall of Fame for his significant contribution to the sport.
Kibaki will be accorded a State Funeral, with full Military Honours and Protocols being rendered and observed.
