President pays tribute to his predecessor, calls for unity

PHOTO | EMMA NZIOKA President Kenyatta said former president Mwai Kibaki has set the bar of leadership higher not only in Kenya but across the African continent.  NATION

By  PPS
Posted  Tuesday, April 9  2013 

 

 

 

In Summary

• President Kenyatta, at the same time, said he looked forward to working closely will all Kenyans and encouraged them to join his team in making
  Kenya a country they will be proud of.

President Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday paid glowing tribute to his predecessor President Mwai Kibaki, saying he has set the bar of leadership higher not only in Kenya but across the African continent.

Speaking during a state luncheon at State House Nairobi after his inauguration as the fourth President of Kenya, the Head of State reiterated his call to Kenyans to unite in building the nation.

“Time has come for all of us to join hands in ensuring that we improve the living standards for everyone of us in the country. We must all succeed in this endeavour,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta, at the same time, said he looked forward to working closely will all Kenyans and encouraged them to join his team in making Kenya a country they will be proud of.

The President thanked all leaders who attended his inauguration and assured them that he will work tirelessly to ensure the African dream is realized. Immediate former President Kibaki thanked the visiting leaders for honouring him, his successor President Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

“I feel greatly honoured that so many of you came to bid farewell to me and to welcome our new President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto,” immediate former President Kibaki said.

Noting that Kenya has once again witnessed a momentous and historic smooth transition from one leader to another, the outgoing President recalled that in 1963 he was privileged to witness Mzee Jomo Kenyatta taking over the mantle of leadership from the last Governor Malcolm Macdonald.

“In 1978, I witnessed President Moi taking over the leadership of our nation, while I was back here in December 2002 to assume office from President Moi,” immediate former President Kibaki said.

He added: “It is, therefore, gratifying that on this occasion I am here to hand over the management of the affairs of our nation to a new generation of youthful leaders.” Outgoing President Kibaki, once again, congratulated President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto, saying he was confident they will live up to
the hopes and aspirations of the Kenyan people.

On integration, the immediate former President said he has always been a strong believer in regional integration and international cooperation and encouraged the new leadership to remain faithful to this cause.

The former President also said he looked forward to his retirement after 50 years in public service, saying he will continue to render his services to Kenyans and the region in various other capacities.

On his part, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete commended Kenyans for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during and after the recently concluded general elections.

The Tanzanian leader, once more, congratulated President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto for the momentous victory in last month’s general elections in the country, saying their election was a clear testimony of the faith Kenyans have in their leadership.

President Kikwete said under the able leadership of President Kenyatta and with support of all citizens, Kenya will continue to honour its national, egional and international obligations.

The Tanzanian leader paid glowing tribute to the retiring President Kibaki for his exemplary leadership, saying regional leaders cherished his invaluable contribution to peace in the horn of Africa and the cause of EAC. Deputy President Ruto wished the immediate former President Kibaki well in his retirement, saying as an elder statesman, he will remain afather-figure to be consulted on a wide range of issues by the incoming leadership. The state luncheon was also attended by several African Heads of State and other invited dignitaries.