Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata has led departmental heads and members of the general public in paying tribute to the retired president the late Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki.
Elungata described the late president as a selfless person who strived for the development of the country during his ten year stint at the helm.
He said the passing away of President Kibaki was a big loss not only to his family but Kenyans in general.
Kibaki served as the third President from December 2002 until April 2013. He had previously served as the fourth Vice-President of Kenya for ten years from 1978 to 1988 under President Daniel Arap Moi.
The RC said Kibaki will be remembered as a kind, warm and friendly politician who was a father figure to many Kenyans.
He described his tenure in office (2003-2013) as the ‘golden decade’ of Kenya when the country witnessed massive unparalleled socio-economic development.
Elungata spoke to the media after signing a condolence book at Coast Regional Headquarters (Uhuru na Kazi building) in Mombasa on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
He said similar condolence books have been opened in the coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River and urged the public to sign them in his remembrance.
Elungata encouraged Mombasa residents and those from other coastal counties to find time and sign the book as a sign of respect to the former President who passed on at the age of 91.
The senior administrator who was flanked by Mombasa County Commissioner John Otieno said he frequently interacted with the former president while serving as a District Commissioner in Kibwezi district.
“Kibaki was a gentleman par excellence who looked for positives in people rather than their weaknesses and avoided rumours like the plague” said Elungata.
He went on, “He was a gentle soul who always opted for friendship as opposed to confrontational politics in all his dealings.”
Elungata described the death of Kibaki as a great loss to the country and all citizens.
“As a sign of appreciation to the good leadership and sacrifice Kibaki made to our country, I encourage all civil servants and residents to come forward and pay their last respects,” said Elungata.
He said Kibaki inspired many people to forgive, reconcile and be tolerant of each other regardless of the situation unlike the politicians of today.
By Mohamed Hassan
