“She will be remembered as a vital fulcrum to the presidency, during the Grand Coalition Government. Mama Lucy Kibaki was in many ways a role model to many”/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 26 – Members of Parliament on Tuesday suspended House business to mourn and honour former First Lady Lucy Kibaki as the pioneer of an influential era of women in leadership.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi informed MPs of the news of her demise while receiving treatment at a London Hospital.
He said the unfortunate occurrence “had robbed the country of a great icon whose immense contributions to the promotion of healthcare and more so in the fight against HIV/AIDS scourge, remains incredibly admirable.”
“She will be remembered as a vital fulcrum to the presidency, during the Grand Coalition Government. Mama Lucy Kibaki was in many ways a role model to many. I pray that her family and friends will, amidst this traumatic loss be comforted by the precious grace of God and that his strength and courage will comfort then as they bear with the loss, Speaker Muturi said before allowing MPs 10 minutes to pay tribute the departed former First Lady.
Minority Leader Francis Nyenze (Kitui West) led MPs Adan Keynan (Eldas) and Ndung’u Gethenji (Tetu) in remembering her deep passion for the nation and love for her husband, former President Mwai Kibaki.
“She set good values for future First Ladies, by initiating several projects. Mama Lucy Kibaki was a no-nonsense person she would say her mind, she would fight for her rights and she was truthful forthright and very straight forward,” said Nyenze.
Keynan added: “I know what many of us will remember is her ability to say things which many of wouldn’t want to say even at night.”
“Who can forget the 40 years plus, that Mama Lucy Kibaki stood by the then Vice President Mwai Kibaki as he sank to a mere MP then the Head of State of the Republic of Kenya,” Gethenji added.
Women MPs Naomi Shaban (Taveta), Cecily Mbarire (Runyenjes), Maison Leshomo (Samburu County) and Tiya Galgalo (Isiolo County) remembered Mrs Kibaki was an influential First Lady during her husband’s first term presidency from 2002 to 2007.
“Mama Lucy Kibaki had no time to waste if she thought a certain man did not do things right and the many men who crossed her path know that,” Mbarire reminisced.
“A woman of strength and wit, Lucy Kibaki’s dedication to our country was matched only by that of her husband. Theirs was one of our nation’s model of shared devotion to our country. Kenya is stronger and better for their service,” Galgalo added.
“Mama Lucy’s strength of character was legendary, and her advocacy for the family values, empowerment of the girl child and the poor was tireless,” Shaban, the Deputy Majority Leader said.
Other MPs Robert Pukose (Endebess), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache) and Major John Waluke (Sirisia) called Lucy Kibaki a woman of strength and wit while Olago Alouch (Kisumu Town West) reminded Kenyans to keep the Kibaki family in their prayers.
About The Author
