Kenya's third President, Mwai Kibaki, is arguably one of the most celebrated statesmen owing to his prolific public service career spanning over 50 years, most of which were spent in elective offices.
His demise on Friday, April 22, marked the end of an era of a politician who revived the country's economy. His legacy, written in the annals of history, is to be told in the years to come.
After his two-term rule, he handed over power to 51-year-old Uhuru Kenyatta, in a moment that was described as the country's turning point.
Over the years, Kibaki has been instrumental in shaping Uhuru's career, from acting as his godfather to handing over the instruments of power to him, the journey came full circle.
According to Njenga Karume's book, From Charcoal to Gold, he and Kibaki accompanied Kenya's founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, to his home in Gatundu, Kiambu County in 1961.
At the time, Kenyatta's fourth wife, Mama Ngina, had just delivered a son.
During the visit, Kibaki suggested that the young boy be named Uhuru, a Swahili name that means freedom. This was attributed to the fact that Kenya was then poised to become an independent Republic.
Coincidentally, former Vice President, Joseph Murumbi, also backed the idea as independence was just a few months away.
At the time, Jomo Kenyatta wanted to remain true to his Gikuyu customs in terms of religion. However, his wife was a staunch Catholic. The founding President had no objection to his son being led into the church-based foundation.
Further, Kibaki, who also came from a strict Catholic background, became Uhuru’s godfather during his baptism.
The two would forge a friendship that lasted over decades. However, their cordial friendship was put to the test when the two political leaders sought the Presidency in the 2002 General Election.
Kibaki, under the umbrella of NARC, defeated Uhuru - who was handpicked and touted as the best candidate by Kenya's second President, Daniel Arap Moi.
Despite going different ways politically, the two still enjoyed a mutual relationship. In 2007, Uhuru would later align himself with Kibaki before the 2007 General Election.
After Kibaki's PNU secured the victory in a controversial election contest, Uhuru, Kanu's chairman at the time, was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
