My father battled with illness for 3 years, Jimmy Kibaki reveals
The son of late President Mwai Kibaki, Jimmy Kibaki has stated that his father’s death has yet to impact him noting that his father battled with illness for three-years before his death on Friday.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings, Jimmy acknowledged that the loss of his father is difficult for him because of the importance he played in his life.
“Mzee had been ailing for about two or three years but for the last three months were quite difficult but he put up quite a good battle but in the end because of age and other factors determined that he had to go,” he said.
Jimmy commended his father’s leadership style in his tribute stating that during his time in government, Kibaki, who was steadfast and unselfish, gained the hearts of many Kenyans.
“It’s not easy at all, my father has been there all my life and he was a huge presence in my life. I don’t think that it has yet hit me that he has really gone. I think it will hit me when we bury him, but for now he has gone to be with the lord and we will have to deal with that,” he said.
The third President of the Republic of Kenya died on Friday, April 22.
His body will lie in Parliament Buildings for three days (Monday to Wednesday) between 9am and 5pm for the public to view.
Members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries may pay a visit to the former President’s family tomorrow and Wednesday between 9am and 12pm at his Official Office in Nyari, off Redhill Road Nairobi.
Kibaki’s office, Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court of Kenya, all Ministries Offices, Council of Governors Head Quarters, all Regional and County Commissioners Offices around the country, and Kenyan High Commissions, Embassies, and Missions Abroad will all have condolence books available.
The national state funeral will be place in Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, with full military honours and ceremonies. From State House to Nyayo Stadium, the state funeral procession will take place.
The previous Head of State’s remains was transported in a Gun Carriage, escorted by Military Musical Honours and a 19-gun salute, with full military honours and protocols.
The Catholic Church will lead the national state funeral memorial ceremony, which will be interdenominational.
The burial will be attended by luminaries from all across the world, among others.
