Azimio presidential aspirant Raila Odinga has narrated how Kibaki was brought to Kenya by his father Oginga Odinga to help with the formation of KANU.
Raila spoke at Nyayo stadium today during Kibaki’s State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
“I have been asked to talk about our president (Mwai Kibaki) without talking about politics. I do not know how to eulogise a politician without talking about politics, “said Raila.
While his ability to grasp political issues and work on his academic prowess was recognized by the former premier, his witty quotes did not go unrecognised. Odinga recalled of the famous ‘mafi ya Kuku’ and ‘Bure Kabisa’ disclaimer by Kibaki more often than not said with a straight face but left thousands in laughter.
Raila recognised Kibaki’s ability to engage in intellectual conversations allowing his staffers and fellow political leaders engage in debates. While Kibaki was focused on service delivery in 2005, Kibaki he fired his entire Cabinet a day after Kenyans voted against a constitution he had supported. Raila noted how Kibaki worked with ministries to ensure growth of country.
“We worked together in the cabinet. He would allow the ministers to debate and also gave them authority and power to run their ministries; so long as you did not involve yourself in graft,” said Raila.
The relationship between Raila and Kibaki had turned sour after a disputed 2007 general election.
Raila recalled the first handshake between Him and Kibaki as mediated by the late Kofi Annan.
As he took his seat, Raila paid his last respect to former President Mwai Kibaki as great Kenyan patriot and a gentleman par excellence.