A cross-section of national and foreign leaders, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Friday paid glowing tributes to former President Mwai Kibaki at the former Head of State's State Funeral Service at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi City County.
In his address, President Kenyatta eulogised the departed former Head of State as a hero of Kenya's independence struggle saying President Kibaki was a modest person who excelled away from the glamor of publicity and public praise.
While retracing former President Kibaki's 50-year public service journey, President Kenyatta outlined the former President's public service exploits as a man, leader and visionary going into great detail to illustrate how he trailblazed in these areas.
Deputy President Dr William Ruto described former President Mwai Kibaki as a great scholar, Kenya's finest economist, and distinguished public servant who helped lay a firm foundation for the progress the country achieved over the years.
On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga mourned the fallen former Head of State as an intellectual and steadfast leader who hated and fought the vice of corruption wholeheartedly.
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Mr Odinga gave a blow-by-blow account of how former President Mwai Kibaki transitioned from academia into politics, and his illustrious journey to the Presidency.
Mr Jimmy Kibaki, who spoke on behalf of the late former President's family, eulogised his father as a loving parent, a patriot and an outstanding son of Kenya who served his country with utmost dedication.
Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) and Sahle Work-Zewde (Ethiopia) also spoke at the solemn event saying the departed former President was a great statesman and pan-Africanist.
In a statement read on his behalf, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, who was present, thanked former President Mwai Kibaki for midwifing the Sudan peace process that led to the birth of the Eastern Africa nation.
