Mama Lucy Kibaki laid to rest in Othaya

Mama Lucy Kibaki was laid to rest in a funeral that brought political and business elite from across the region to the town of Othaya.

Among those who came to bid farewell to the former First Lady were Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete, President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, and their wives Margaret Kenyatta and Rachel Ruto.

More than 10 governors also attended the funeral.

A large number of power brokers from yesteryear and the new Jubilee powermen arrived in choppers and top-of-the-range vehicles.

Influential figures during the Kibaki presidency, including Mr Francis Muthaura and Mr Francis Kimemia, who both served as head of public service; former head of security Esau Kioni; former ministers Joseph Munyao, Raphael Tuju, Linah Jebii Kilimo, Mukhisa Kituyi, Njeru Githae; former head of Presidential Press Service Isaiya Kabira and families of the late Cabinet minister John Michuki were also present.

Not to be left behind were corporate titans like Family Bank founder Titus Muya and Vivo Energy chief executive Polycarp Igathe.

Conspicuously missing were Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula. Several seats had been set aside for the trio and their wives but protocol officials quickly changed the arrangement.

The body of the former First Lady arrived at her marital home in Othaya, Nyeri County, at midmorning. Although throngs of people lined up to see the motorcade as it snaked through Karatina and Mukurwe-ini, the late Mrs Kibaki’s homeplace, it did not make any stopover.

A sombre mood engulfed the normally quiet town of Othaya with many shopkeepers closing business to attend the Mass that was celebrated by Catholic Archbishop Peter Kairu.

Retired President Mwai Kibaki was clearly grief-stricken. The normally expressionless leader sat largely still and sombre, although he lightened up a little when speakers, including his sons, livened the speeches with accounts of various encounters with Mama Lucy.

Speakers at the Approved School playground, where the event took place, eulogised the 82-year-old former First Lady as a bold and courageous woman who never shied away from speaking her mind. “She taught us to speak out when we see evil. And she did that even if it meant contradicting her husband,” said President Kenyatta.

The Head of State noted that the former First Lady was very protective of her family and would dismiss anyone who attempted to divide them.

“She was right in saying that the family is the foundation of the country. We should follow that,” said Mr Kenyatta while urging Kenyans to show the less fortunate the same compassion the former First Lady did.
Mr Kikwete said Mama Lucy would be remembered across East Africa as a uniting force.

“Kibaki has lost a friend and a mentor and the people of Tanzania and East Africa will miss her,” said Mr Kikwete.

Unlike most funerals of leaders, most politicians present were  not allowed to speak. In his remarks, Mr Ruto remembered several encounters with Mrs Kibaki, saying she advised him to work with Mr Kenyatta at the last election. “She once reprimanded me after a political rally for saying something that she disagreed with,” recalled Mr Ruto.

The most moving tributes were, however, given by the family, especially the children.

Judy Kibaki eulogised her mother as an extraordinary woman of conviction and substance. “She was urbane and well exposed, yet still owed her outlook to a traceable local habitation and name,” said Judy.

Anthony Kibaki described his mother as courageous and forthright. “Just because our star striker is not there does not mean the team is not a winner,” said Anthony.

Jimmy Kibaki, the eldest son, remembered her as a loving mum and strict disciplinarian who urged them to be grounded.

A few minutes past 4pm, Lucy Kibaki was buried at her Othaya home in a grave that Mr Kibaki had ordered should remain “as natural as possible.” It had no concrete.