Death is an existential mystery that humanity cannot demystify.
Recently, Kenya lost one of her greatest sons—former President Mwai Kibaki. The news of his demise was painful. Kibaki was a man of impeccable character and passionate convictions. He was a soft-spoken bloke who anyone would not love to hate.
Kibaki epitomised the dignity and respect a great leader should command. He was a tireless man who discomforted himself for the sake of others. He will go down in history as one of the most popular personalities in Kenya. Love him or hate him, he remains the best president Kenya has had.
Kibaki was an anti-corruption crusader. He hated corruption. He fought for the progress of his country. He always voiced his opinion freely. He always strived to get his facts right before making a decision. His actions were always incomplete without buttressing them with tangible facts.
President Kibaki took crucial steps to eradicate poverty and grow the economy. With his economic skills, he taught Kenyans how to cut their coats according to their cloth. He educated them on how to live within their income.
Having previously served as minister for Health, he taught Kenyans the importance of family planning and living in homes they can afford, drive cars they can maintain, travel only when there is need and not want, drink smart, eat smart and send their children to schools they can afford.
He even made primary education free for everyone. As a result, Kenyans were happy.
Kenya has lost her finest president ever. To the family of President Kibaki, take heart and know that Kenyans share in your agony.
President Kibaki will go down as one of the most fearless sons of Africa. He was too determined to be defeated and too optimistic to be fearful. He surrounded himself with like-minded individuals. We shall remember him for his bravery. He always nurtured his conscience with truth and cared less about his character assailants.
President Kibaki ran the state with a trademark of excellence. Under Kibaki, Kenya was not only a centre of economic excellence, it exported excellence. His courage confirms that he was better qualified and in the mould of Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle, Dwight D Eisenhower and Julius Sankara. He will be remembered as the man who rescued his nation from corruption and perpetual economic malfeasance.
President Kibaki was an inspiration and an all-encompassing man who only understood the language of peace. His decorum and disposition were worth mirroring. He was well-read, astute and intelligent.
Kibaki’s character showed a disciplined leader with a fertile mind. He was firm, fair and consistent despite all odds. Through hard work, he solved Kenya’s many problems. He was a statesman and a patriot. He will be remembered as the man who fought for the rights of the dehumanised, deprived and voiceless Kenyans.
Our nation will remember Mzee Kibaki as a man who embarked on a unique journey to become a giant academician and an exceptional African statesman. His road to glory was rough but as a victorious warrior with the people as his ambassadors, his victory was assured.
Kibaki was, and will always be an inspiration, a shining light and a mirror of the values that Kenyans believe in. He was a beacon of hope to millions of Kenyans and an example to power-hungry leaders.
He was a forward-looking man with vision, courage, dependability and proactiveness. This man single-handedly returned Kenya to the path of progress and good governance, accountability and transparency.
As we mourn the demise of President Kibaki, we pray that the Almighty God grant Kenyans, his family and friends alike the fortitude to bear this loss. Fare thee well, Kibaki.
The writer sells bananas in the streets of Kisii [email protected]
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