Leaders from across the political divide, family and friends yesterday eulogised former First Lady Lucy Kibaki as an extraordinary woman during a requiem mass at Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi.
Mama Lucy’s family, including retired President Mwai Kibaki, described her as a happy, loving and caring woman whose strong character was demonstrated from the family level to the national level.
The daughter, Judy Kibaki, who read her life history and a eulogy on behalf of her siblings termed Mama Lucy a dedicated mother, a woman of conviction and substance, a true friend and a patriotic Kenyan.
“My mother was the bedrock of the family as her husband got immersed in the struggle to set Kenya free from colonial domination, and thereafter to stand on its feet. Family was her foremost priority,” she said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta described the former First Lady as a great leader with a strong sense of family values and a mother who was committed to improving lives of Kenyans.
“Kenya has suffered a tremendous loss and more so her family, relatives and friends. Yet, even as we mourn, we celebrate her virtues of leadership and commitment to improving the well-being of Kenyans,” said the President. And despite the somber mood at the function, the President tickled mourners as he described Mama Lucy’s strong character.
“Either you were on her right side or in the wrong side. And being in her wrong side was not a good experience,” he said amid laughter from the congregation. Deputy President William Ruto said the former First Lady spoke her mind freely and was honest.
“She was a woman of tremendous substance and incredibly determined and courageous.” The President and his deputy were the only people who spoke besides the Kibaki family and the clergy.
Earlier, close members of the family, including retired President Kibaki, his four children and grandchildren, held prayers beside the casket that was draped in the Kenyan flag at the Lee Funeral Home before it was driven to the Consolata Shrine.
Uhuru was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta while Ruto came with wife, Rachel. Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula also attended the mass. Others included former and serving MPs, Cabinet secretaries, senior government officials and members of the public.
An inter-denominational funeral service will be held at the Othaya Approved School on Saturday before her burial the same day. Mama Lucy died last week at the Bupa Cromwell Hospital in London, where she was undergoing treatment.
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