Mwai Kibaki biography reminds Kenyans of the best president they have ever had since Kenya claimed her independence in 1963. He remains an economic hero and a dignified politician with immense popularity beyond his lifetime.
The sudden death of Kibaki in 2022 followed an extended period of sickness.
7 Profile Facts in Mwai Kibaki biography
President Kibaki’s style of leadership is one of highly intelligent and competent technocrat.
Who was Kibaki?
1. He originates in Nyeri County
The third president of Kenya, baptized by the Italian missionaries, Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki was born on November 15, 1931, at Gatuyaini in Othaya division, Nyeri County.
He died on Friday, April 22nd, 2022, within 6 years of losing his beloved wife Lucy Muthoni on April 26, 2016.
2. He was the last-born son
Kibaki of the Kikuyu ethnic group is the lastborn in the family of eight siblings.
His father was John Kibaki Githinji and his mother was Teresia Wanjiku. Even so, Kibaki grew under the care of his elder sister Waitherero.
3. He is an alumna of Nyeri High School
Kibaki started schooling at a village school in Gatuyani before transferring to Karima Mission School.
He later joined Mathari School which has since been renamed Nyeri High School.
In 1950, Kibaki graduated from Mang’u High School with O-levels. He gained additional skills in carpentry and masonry.
4. Kibaki is a graduate from Makerere University
Unable to join the army, Kibaki proceeded to Makerere University for a Bachelor of Science in Economics, History, and Political Science.
Upon graduating with first-class honors, he landed his first job at the Shell Company of East Africa.
Before long, he earned a scholarship to the prestigious London School of Economics, where he obtained a BSc in public finance, with distinction.
A request from Thomas Joseph Mboya forced Kibaki to quit his professional career in Uganda for the role of an executive officer in the KANU Party.
Upon drafting the independence constitution, Kibaki was elected Member of Parliament for Makadara Constituency, initially called Doonholm Constituency.
Stiff competition from Mrs. Jael Mbogo forced Kibaki into his backyard in the Othaya Constituency.
He would retain his position as a parliamentarian between 1979 and 2007.
6. He was a Vice President and later President
Between 1978 and 1988, Kibaki served as the Vice President to President Daniel Arap Moi.
After losing in 1992 and 1997 presidential bids, Kibaki was finally crowned the third president of Kenya in 2002 with full blessings from Raila Odinga.
His two terms in the State House were marked with economic prosperity amid the historic Post Election Violence of 2007 in which the late Kofi Annan occasioned successful peace talks.
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