President Mwai Kibaki's family resorted to keeping his last days on earth away from privy politicians, the media and his area residents.
Kibaki, who passed away on Friday, April 22, fell ill a few days before his demise and was admitted to a hospital in Nairobi.
His family was said to have stayed by his side, with only his inner circle kept abreast of his progress and whereabouts.
Reports detailed that he was recuperating well until Wednesday, April 20, when his health deteriorated.
Sources privy to Kibaki's whereabouts detailed that he was unwell for almost a fortnight and the family was hopeful that he would make it through.
However, his kins ensured that unlike the past few years, his health and admission was kept private, with only close family members and friends allowed to visit him.
Kibaki's last photos that were shared with the public were released by his family in November 2021, while celebrating his 90th birthday.
Additionally, speaking to KTN News on Friday, April 22, National Assembly Majority leader, Amos Kimunya disclosed that the late president's family restricted visitors owing to the ongoing pandemic.
"For the last six months, he spend most of his time with his family. Obviously, at his age, the vulnerabilities were much more and we understood that he doesn't require a lot of interaction
"We all provided that protection because when he saw people, he was eager to meet them. He spent most of his time in Muthaiga keeping up with his appointments with the doctors. He has rested a happy man," he disclosed.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was always briefed on Kibaki's health, was said to have taken charge of the matter on Thursday, April 21, keenly following up on his predecessor's progress.
His national address a day later when Kibaki passed caught many unawares, as privy to a politician's death, Lee Funeral home would trend online alongside unverified and leaked reports.
"H.E. 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.
"President Mwai Kibaki shall be accorded a State Funeral, with full Military Honours and Protocols being rendered and observed," Uhuru directed.
Prior to his death, Kibaki's absence from the public space after his retirement saw numerous false reports shared online with his family and private secretary, Ngari Gituku often rubbishing the claims.
