Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki was on Tuesday morning pronounced dead at Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London where she had been taken to receive specialised treatment.
The shocking news of Ms Kibaki's death was announced by the Office of the President on Tuesday.
The wife of former President Mwai Kibaki had been flown out of the country to receive further treatment after ailing for a long period.
“Her excellency has been unwell for the last one month and has been receiving treatment here in Kenya and subsequently in the United Kingdom,” the statement signed by the President stated.
President Kenyatta acknowledged Ms Kibaki's immense contribution towards the development of the country stating: "Notable was Her Excellency’s virtues of leadership and commitment to improving wellbeing of Kenyans, in particular her focus on tackling HIV/Aids, which will remain an inspiration to many,” he said.
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Ms Kibaki, who had been missing in the public eye for over five years, was on March 11 rushed to Gertrude’s Hospital at 5am and later transferred to Nairobi Hospital, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Details of her ailment have remained a subject of speculation but during her last admission at the hospital, Kibaki’s Press Secretary Mr Ngare Gituku indicated: "She is responding well to treatment and the doctors want to conduct a series of tests to ascertain that there is absolutely no issue that would crop up at any given time”.
Ms Kibaki who was born in 1940 is survived with by her husband Mwai Kibaki and four children Judy Wanjiku, Jimmy Kibaki, David Kagai, and Tony Githinji.
Mama Lucy was known to be a no nonsense woman especially when it came to issues affecting her family.
She will remembered for her initiatives in the health sector which included: Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and strong fight against HIV/AIDS.
Ms Kibaki was euologised by politicians from across the country as a strong woman who bodly aired her views.
It is with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic death of Mama Lucy Kibaki this morning while undergoing treatment in London.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) April 26, 2016
Sad to hear about the passing on of former First Lady Mama Lucy Kibaki. My deep condolences to H.E. Mwai Kibaki, his family and all Kenyans.
— Sakaja Johnson (@SakajaJohnson) April 26, 2016
My condolences to the Kibaki family on the loss of former first lady Mama Lucy Kibaki. May God give you comfort at this difficult time.
— Hon Gladys Wanga (@gladyswanga) April 26, 2016
Rest In Peace Mama Lucy Kibaki.
My sincere condolences to former President Mwai Kibaki and his family at this very difficult time.— Hon. Charles Keter (@ketercharles) April 26, 2016
Mama Lucy will be remembered for her relentless championing for women rights and promotion of healthcare in the country. #RIPMamaLucy
— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) April 26, 2016
Fare Thee Well Mama Lucy,she was a face of courage & boldness.My thoughts & prayers are with H.E.Mzee Kibaki and the entire family.R.I.P
— Peter Kenneth (@Peter_Kenneth) April 26, 2016
Here is the statement by President Uhuru Kenyatta:
