Kibaki finally calls it a day after 50 years

By Francis Ngige

Nairobi, Kenya: The historic transfer of power to the fourth President on Tuesday means Mwai Kibaki would henceforth be referred to a former President after 10 years at the helm.

Earlier, President Kibaki left State House, Nairobi, in the presidential limousine flying the national flag and presidential standard for the 30km journey to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for inauguration of President-elect, Uhuru Kenyatta. 

But hours later, after handing over the ceremonial sword and Constitution signifying a change of guard, Kibaki returned to the House on the Hill as a former President.

He no longer flew the white presidential standard, which had earlier been lowered as President Uhuru’s was hoisted, and which Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi handed to the former President as appreciation. 

The aide-de-camp in ceremonial red military gear also shifted to President Uhuru’s side and an aide in civilian clothes accompanied former President Kibaki instead.

Earlier, the immediate former President was the last to arrive at Kasarani, where he inspected a guard of honour for the last the time mounted by the three detachments of the Kenya Defence Forces.

But he was the first to leave for State House to receive his successor for the State luncheon and officially hand over the official State residence. He was then to leave for his Muthaiga residence, according to aides.

Big office

But although on Tuesday was his last day in office, Kibaki showed no signs of nostalgia of leaving the big office.

The former President, who has endured turbulence during his 10-year tenure as Head of State, appeared composed as he handed over the instruments of power to his successor Uhuru Kenyatta. His half a century political career ended as he sat stoically on the platform where a man, the age of his firstborn son Jimmy Kibaki, was taking an oath of office to succeed him.

His final hours in power were filled with poignant moments marking the end of tenure during which he attracted love and hatred in equal measure. Just recently, his remarks about devolved governments saw him cross swords with his co-principal, Raila Odinga, and governors.

On Tuesday, however, Kibaki arrived at the inauguration in full presidential splendour with a large motorcade and outriders to boot.

Just as it has become the norm, First Lady Lucy Kibaki was notably missing from Kibaki’s historic exit from State House.

Before leaving State House with members of his immediate family, Kibaki took pictures with them and other close associates.

Last ride

At the Stadium, he was met by Chief of Defence Forces Julius Karangi, before he mounted the Commander-in-Chief ceremonial Land Rover for the last time.

The ceremonial land rover, sand-witched by about 20 presidential guards then entered the stadium for the final lap of honour by Kibaki as the Head of State.

After the National Anthem was played, the parade commander requested Kibaki to inspect his last guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces.

Whether by design or coincidence, Kibaki’s last inspection of the guard of honour took exceptionally longer than others he has inspected before.

As his hours in office were coming to a close, Kibaki’s demeanour did not betray him! He took everything by stride. Throughout the ceremony, he looked prepared to exit office. Having entered and inspected a guard of honour accompanied by his aide de-camp; Kibaki was to leave without him with the military officer having switched to the new Head of State.

Immediately he handed over the ceremonial sword to indicate change of guard, the aide immediately switched to Uhuru.

And when Kibaki’s presidential standard was lowered and handed to him, he appeared not to be aware that his aide was no longer behind him.

He was seen looking for someone to hand over the flag to.

His valedictory speech appeared to reflect on his 50 years in public service. “I’m extremely happy to address the nation at this historic occasion,” was how Kibaki started his speech.

Kibaki, a controversy shy leader, paid glowing tribute to Uhuru father, the founding father of the country saying he owed much to the first president. He was also full of praise for former President Moi whom he said he was grateful to have served under as Vice-President and minister for over a decade.

Turning to the new President, Kibaki said he was hopeful that Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto were equal to the task and would deliver on their election pledges. Kibaki also had kind words for his wife Lucy, saying she was an inspiration to his life and instrumental to his wellbeing.

And after doing what was expected of him, Kibaki was driven out of the stadium in a Mercedes Benz with private number plates.