Fare thee well Mama Lucy Kibaki, your legacy lives on

The death of the former First Lady Lucy Kibaki is not only a devastating blow to her family but to the entire nation.

Mama Lucy will forever be remembered for her concerted efforts to fight the HIV and Aids scourge, which remains a national disaster to date.

Notably, during her lifetime, she served the country with dedication and determination.

During her tenure as a First Lady of this country, she remained apolitical and amicable especially during the Grand Coalition government of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minster Raila Odinga.

In fact, she remained an epitome of Kenyan woman and a no-nonsense woman despite the political miasma of the day. I think the best tribute we can give Mama Lucy is to emulate her selfless deeds of serving this beloved nation.

Rest in eternal peace Mama. You will forever remain in Kenyan minds.

{Joseph Muthama, Thika}

Kenya has just lost one of its own, Mama Lucy Kibaki, and this reminds us of the great work and determination former President Mwai Kibaki showed in serving the country as the Head of State.

If it were not for mama, who give him ample time to serve citizens, Kenyans would not have had his best. We really regret losing such a great parent who did enough to shape the society.

We also celebrate her life with her Mzee, a President who used to light up the faces of his audience whenever he addressed them. He was successful because Mama Lucy was by his side.

We loved you and will still love you mother. May God strengthen former President Kibaki’s family and Kenya as well. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

{Kwamboka Wanyama, Bungoma}

The death of Lucy Kibaki is a big blow to the nation. As the First Lady, she was a great woman who stood studiously for the place and voice of women in society.

She was vibrant, honest and truly passionate in whatever task she set out to achieve. Her commitment for instance, to girl-child education, notably her involvement in the establishment of the Starehe Girls Centre will remain in the hearts of many as a testimony of her hardworking spirit. Lucy will be remembered as a great pillar of strength.

She supported her husband for the decade he was President. She strongly advocated for the support of women and children.

She was the symbol of the strength of a woman, of a mother and of a grandmother; this has a more lasting legacy than many of the other things that are physical in nature.

{Martin Orina, Maseno University}

Lucy was a strong woman who never allowed anybody to attack anything she liked.

She kept encouraging women to stand firmly and fight for what is theirs. She also campaigned for awareness against HIV and Aids warning the youth against premarital sex. Health was her fast priority; she built ‘Mama Lucy Hospital’ in Kayole, which continues to provide accessible health services.

She participated in charity works and supported many projects including the Kenya State House Choir and Girl Guide Association of which she was a member.

Mama Lucy was a key pillar in the Grand Coalition government and was a role model to many people. We have lost an icon who will be remembered by many. We loved you Mama Lucy. May your soul rest in peace.

{David Kariuki, Ongata Rongai}