On a day when Kenyans came together to mourn the loss of President Mwai Kibaki, his eldest son Jimmy Kibaki paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, describing him as a man of great passion who dedicated his life to Kenya and serving the people.
Jimmy's tribute was a poignant reflection of the impact his father had on the nation.
Jimmy recalled the long queues at the National Assembly where his father lay in state, a testament to the respect and admiration Kenyans had for the late President.
He reminisced about his father's strong work ethic, saying that if he were to wake up at that time, he would have asked everyone to return to work because, for him, work was very important.
Jimmy's tribute was filled with fond memories of his father, who he described as a man who lived to excel. 'If there's a word that can encapsulate the life of Mwai Kibaki, it is excellence. Mzee lived to excel,' he said.
He emphasized that excelling doesn't always mean succeeding, but it means trying one's best, and that's what his father inspired him to do.
Jimmy also thanked the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya for their professionalism in handling the situation, saying that it allowed the family to mourn in a way that they felt truly humbled.
He expressed gratitude to General Kibochi and the military officials who saluted him when he visited his father lying in state.
Jimmy also shared a touching anecdote about his father's relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying that his father was very fond of him and would sit upright and listen keenly when he appeared on the evening news.
As the family came to terms with their loss, Jimmy expressed their gratitude to Kenyans at large for their support and condolences.
