Mwai Kibaki, Kenya’s third President received his fair share of blessings on his 90th birthday.
However, there are moments that shaped his rule, from dethroning a dictator to a dark moment in Kenya’s history.
Graft allergy
Kibaki hated graft with a passion. And abhorred wheeler-dealing.
An Uzalendo News mole confides that one day, his son (name withheld) went to State House with his buddies. He introduced them as former St. Mary’s classmates.
His mission: Mzee, “please help us to access a tender in the energy sector.”
Kibaki laughed heartily. Looking down, he congratulated the young men for their business ingenuity….the next sentence send them out of the room.
YOU are all headed to jail. Just continue!
They literally run out of the room, never to be seen again.
Raila soft spot
An overzealous supporter once asked President Kibaki to deal decisively with Raila Odinga for making it impossible for him to rule.
A shocked Kibaki asked him: How old are you? When he said he was 40 years…Kibaki dismissed him as a fool. If it were not for Raila, this country would have gone to the dogs a long time ago.
Moi, Raila Uhuruto handshake
The handshake master, statesman, and a patriotic rock.
In 1988, President Moi humiliated Kibaki by dropping him from the VP. Kibaki went ahead to support Moi as heath minister, and a respectable opposition chief. He never once insulted Moi or disrespected him.
When he become the President in 2002, he allowed Moi to enjoy his wealth, most of which was not accumulated in the cattle trade.
He shook and shared power with Raila and Kalonzo despite the duo having opposed him in 2007.
He supported Uhuruto in a bid to heal the country after the 2008 chaos. He deserves his 90th bash.
The Family rock
Kibaki stood by first Lady Lucy Kibaki despite gaping protocol issues.
More than Thrice, he took an oath to confirm he was married to only one wife. This act proved that family comes first. Not unbridled power.
Frozen Kibaki Scions
He has managed to tame his kids and retain them in the corporate world. A gentleman per excellence.
Face of Kenya.
Kibaki’s first cabinet was the most balanced in independent Kenya. It had a feel of the 5 corners of Kenya. It set the pace for economic recovery.
Dark Side of Kibaki
He allowed himself to lose the 2005 referendum after he fell out with Raila, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, and Kalonzo Musyoka. He allowed brokers to sway him from the prize.
Night oath
He should have taken his oath of the second term earlier. The 6 pm night oath should have been held earlier.
Anglo Leasing thieves
Kibaki should have dealt with Joseph Magari, David Mwiraria, among others, should have been dealt with decisively.
General Kiguoya
Kibaki was branded a coward for refusing to resign from the Moi Government before 1991. But he knew Moi will eat him for dinner…like Matiba and Rubia saw he bid his time…
Helping Moi win in 1992 and 1997
If Kibaki had not split the opposition vote, Matiba would have been President in 2002.
But Kibaki never liked Matiba. So he threw him.under the bus to pave way for the Moi entourage to enter state House.
2008 mistake
Some analysts say that Kibaki should not have accepted a disputed second term. In fact, rumors galore that he was arm-twisted by some forces to accept a second term…which he initially looked to have lost.
The civil strife led to the economic decline that nearly killed Kenya.
Happy 90th Birthday Mr. President.
*This article was written by Henry Kimoli for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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