Former President Mwai Kibaki in 'high spirits' after surgery in South Africa

Former President Mwai Kibaki. Yesterday, Kibaki was in high spirits after doctors successfully removed a blood clot in one of the arteries in his neck. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Former President Mwai Kibaki continued his recovery at a South African hospital after undergoing a minor operation on Thursday. Yesterday, Kibaki was in high spirits after doctors successfully removed a blood clot in one of the arteries in his neck.

In his sixth day at the Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, the former president, despite having a bandaged neck, was upbeat and even took breakfast with close family members at his hospital bed.

“He is on his way to full recovery going by his high spirits. He has been conversing with his doctors and family members and even cracked jokes,” a source said.

Kibaki, 84, was reportedly chatting heartily and was abreast with happenings in the country, with his family members briefing him on news from home. “Typical of Kibaki he was very inquisitive; he has been asking about things that are happening back at home. He is abreast with news,” the source added.

Another medical source revealed that Kibaki will undergo a review on Monday, where doctors will monitor his progress as he prepares to leave the ward.

The former president is expected to spend another week in hospital and once he is given a clean bill of health he will jet back into the country. Sources indicated that friends and other relatives have not been allowed to see the former president after Thursday’s surgery and they will only be allowed to visit him from Monday.

There were reports that some politicians from Central Kenya and his close business associates were planning to travel to South Africa to pay him a visit, but they have since been advised against the move.

“They were told it was too soon to travel but they can make arrangements from Monday when he should be able to receive visitors,” said the source.