Mwai Kibaki, who served as Kenya’s third president from 2002 to 2013, has died aged 90, President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Friday.
Kibaki died on the night of Thursday, April 21.
Kibaki is credited with reviving Kenya’s then-ailing economy, but his tenure was marred by deadly violence that erupted following his disputed re-election in December 2007.
Kibaki ended the late President Moi’s more than two decades rules in 2002 when he took over power.
Uhuru announced that in memory of the late Kibaki, Kenya will observe a period of mourning from today.
He stated that all Kenyan flags at all government buildings, ministries, and missions worldwide will be flown at half-mast until the day he is buried. He stated:
The nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset that President will be buried.
Kibaki championed the realization of the objectives of the East African Community Common Market of trade liberalization for the citizens of the partner states of the East African Community. His inclusive spirit and conviction for economic empowerment transcended the territory of Kenya towards cross-border economic stability.
Further, Uhuru announced that the late Kibaki will be accorded a state funeral even as he asked Kenyans to remember the contributions of the late President to Kenyans.
More: Kenyans.co.ke