Dignitaries jet in to attend Kibaki’s State funeral service
The State funeral of the former President Mwai Kibaki has attracted three sitting Presidents from across Africa who will attend the service at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi today.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau confirmed that Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit have jetted in the country.
The Ministry also expects former Malawi President Joyce Banda and Rwanda Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente to attend the state interment which will kick off at 8 am.
Zimbabwe Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, his Tanzanian counterpart Philip Mpango and Uganda’s Jessica Alupo are also expected alongside Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Sri Lanka’s Special Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayake.
South Africa’s International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng will also be in attendance.
Following the death of Kibaki, President Kiir declared three days of mourning for the late President crediting Kibaki for his role in the peace process in South Sudan.
“In honour of the former President Mwai Kibaki’s legacy, I declare three days of mourning and order the South Sudan flag to be flown at half-mast across the country during those days,” stated Kiir.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has also declared two days of national mourning in her country in honour of former President Mwai Kibaki.
Suluhu in a statement announced that during the period which starts on Friday through to Saturday, flags in the country and in all their embassies will be flown at half-mast.
“I request all the people of Tanzania to stand with our neighbours in Kenya who are going through a difficult period,” a statement released by the Head of Communication from Suluhu’s office said.
Kenyans are expected to be seated by 8am for the funeral service. The public viewed his body when it lay in state at Parliament buildings from Monday to Wednesday.
On Saturday, Kibaki’s body will be ferried to Othaya Approved School Grounds by road using the Lee Funeral Home’s hearse, whose clear glass windows will allow Kenyans a chance to view the coffin as the cortège makes its way to Kibaki’s final resting place.
