Grateful Kibaki bows out of political scene after 50 years

Former President Kibaki at the Kasarani Sports Complex ahead of Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration as his successor yesterday. Mr Kibaki thanked Kenyans for their support as he quit politics.   NATION

By NJERI RUGENE nrugene@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Tuesday, April 9  2013

 

In Summary

• Former leader salutes all Kenyans, Kalonzo, Raila, his predecessor Moi and his family for supporting him

Former President Kibaki bowed out of the political scene on Tuesday after 50 years of service.

Mr Kibaki called on the international community and Kenyans to give President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto the space and support to serve the country.

He was confident that he had left the country in “good hands” under the leadership of the two youthful leaders whom he described as “dynamic and able.”

“I believe that the innovation, energy, determination, courage and hard work that they exhibited during the presidential election campaign, will be evident in their running of government affairs,” Mr Kibaki said in a 15-minute speech at the Kasarani Sports Complex.

“I am extremely happy, to address you on this historic occasion, that marks the passing of the torch of leadership to a new generation of leaders, that the people of Kenya convincingly voted into office.”

The former President, who was accompanied by his children and grandchildren to the inauguration of President Kenyatta, expressed satisfaction at his achievements during his 10 years as President.

He cited the new Constitution, the free primary education, doubling of public universities, access to clean water and electricity to the rural areas as well as better roads as some of the milestones in his time.

“We have brought government services closer to the people, our private sector is thriving and growing. Today, we pride ourselves in a modern Constitution that has entrenched devolution,” Mr Kibaki stated.

“Because of interventions like the constituency development fund, Kenyans at the grassroots are making decisions about their development priorities.”

He thanked Kenyans for their support to him during his 50 years of service in various capacities including when as an MP in Donholm in Nairobi which was later renamed Bahati and in Othaya which he served for 35 years.

Mr Kibaki also paid tribute to Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, saying together, they successfully steered the National Rainbow Coalition and Grand Coalition Government successfully. He saluted his predecessor, former President Moi who was also at the function, for appointing him his Vice President for 10 years. Former First Lady Lucy Kibaki was absent from the function but the former President thanked her profusely and the family for their support.

Mr Kibaki was confident that county governments would be successful but cautioned against allowing devolution to divide the country.

“Devolution should provide synergies, greater dividends and better services for our people. It must never be used to balkanise our country,” he said.

He thanked regional leaders for their support when he chaired the East African Community, Comesa, Igad and the Great Lakes Region.