Bereaved former President Mwai Kibaki yesterday spoke for the first time in public since he accompanied the body of his wife, Lucy, from the UK on Sunday morning. But even as the mood at his Tchui Road residence, Muthaiga was sombre, the retired President could still afford a smile and cracked jokes when various delegations, including former State House and OP staff and ambassadors visited to condole with the family.
“As you all know the funeral will be on Saturday in Othaya. Ni hapa tu (It is just around here),” he said with a smile. Kibaki said he was humbled to see so many people come to console the family. “I am so happy and humbled that you have come to this home.
As you are aware, it’s things like these that keep us going,” he added. The former President freely shook hands and posed for pictures with his visitors before inviting them for a cup of tea.
Former Head of Public service Francis Muthaura led a delegation that largely consisted of Kibaki’s former confidantes from Meru, including Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, former PSs Romano Kiome, Gerishon Ikiara and Cyrus Njiru.
Also in the delegation was former State House Comptrollers Hislop Ipu and Nelson Githinji and former police commissioner Duncan Wachira. Muthaura said the departed former First Lady played an important role in Kibaki’s political and social life.
Later, Kibaki hosted 75 ambassadors, diplomats and heads of various missions in the country. They were accompanied by former Finance minister Amos Kimunya, Kibaki’s close ally Joe Wanjui and Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohammed.
The former Head of State narrated to the ambassadors how his wife was instrumental in the design and building of the Muthaiga home which the former first family has lived for several decades. He said Mama Lucy had left legacy worth of emulating.
“We are grieving, thinking and reflecting on the work she did. It’s a big loss to us and especially to the children,” Kibaki said and appealed to the International Community to take up the anti-HIV/Aids campaign in honour of the former First Lady.
Speaking on behalf of the foreign missions, dean of diplomatic corps Kelbert Nkomani said the best way for every one’s especially the children she inspired, is to espouse what she loved to do most,” Nkomani said last evening.
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