Former President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, has died at age 90

Mwai Kibaki, who ushered in economic reforms and a new constitution but struggled to tackle widespread corruption as Kenya’s third president from 2003-2013, has died aged 90. 

A British-educated economist, Kibaki’s unflappable demeanour concealed political guile that finally won him the presidency after four decades as lawmaker, government minister and then vice president to his predecessor, Daniel arap Moi. read more

Kibaki, whose death was announced President Uhuru Kenyatta, is credited with reviving Kenya’s then ailing economy, but his tenure was marred by deadly violence that killed more than 1,200 Kenyans following his disputed re-election in December 2007.

While announcing Kibaki’s death, Kenyatta recalled his long public service, including being a member of parliament for five decades.

“Kibaki was a quintessential patriot whose legacy of civic responsibility will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans long into our future,” Kenyatta said in a televised address.

Kenyatta did not state the cause of death but Kibaki has been ailing for some time, domestic media reported.

No date has been set for the funeral. Mr Kenyatta said the late President will be accorded a State funeral with full military honours and protocols.

“The President, the Deputy President, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, the Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, Kenya diplomats abroad and whomsoever else is so authorised by law, shall not fly the national flag on their official motorcade from today until sunset on the day of Kibaki’s interment,” said Mr Kenyatta.

After leaving office in 2013, Kibaki rarely engaged in public life. He fell ill in 2016 and government officials and his family were all along guarded about issuing information on his health.

He had enjoyed good health most of his adult life, and was known to play golf, becoming almost a permanent fixture in the country’s club circuit until he was injured in a 2002 road accident.