Paying last respect: Kenyans weigh in on Kibaki's legacy

Hundreds of Kenyans on Tuesday thronged parliament buildings to view the body of late president Mwai Kibaki.

Many of those who arrived for the viewing exercise mourned Kibaki as a distinguished leader who impacted the lives of Kenyans positively.

Peter Adero, a senior citizen, narrated to the Star how he was surprised to find that the free education pledge was not a political narrative.

"I had a child joining the school at the time. I was so surprised to find out the free education program was real."

Adero added that Kibaki's tenure will be remembered for the significant growth of the economy.

George Mwaura on his behalf came to pay tribute to Kibaki as a beneficiary of the free primary education program that the late rolled out during his tenure.

"I would like to urge leaders and Kenyans at large to shun corruption. Kibaki hated it," Wangeci, another Kenyan who came to pay tribute, said.

Wangeci added that Kibaki's tenure recorded the least number of unemployed Kenyans.

"Kibaki was a man of deeds and worked to make sure Kenya attained a new face. His legacy was unprecedented," Wangeci added.

Faustin Musumba explained he dropped his day's duties to pay tribute to Kibaki's as he was a great man and leader.

Musumba also encouraged Kenyans to elect leaders full of integrity and who can initiate development projects the way Kibaki did.

He further urged leaders and citizens to love each other and keep the peace.

"The devolution we are enjoying right now is Kibaki's product. I hope people emulate Kibaki's confidence and be as peacekeeping as he was," John Ogango, another citizen in the queue, said.

Isaac Omondi,a boxer at Kaloleni area, praised Kibaki for building a strong foundation for sports.

"Kibaki unified us sports people that is why I want to encourage Kenyans especially the youth to remain united even during the electioneering period," he added.

As of 10 am Kenyans were still streaming to the Parliament buildings to honour Kibaki with queues extending to City Hall.

Kenyans have until Wednesday at 5 pm to view the body.

The viewing exercise was opened on Monday by president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kibaki's body is laid in State so that Kenyans can have the opportunity to pay their last respect.