The Only Time I Saw My Father Shout Was About Uhuru-Jimmy Kibaki
During his tenure as President, Mwai Kibaki often espoused a calm demeanor and was known as a composed orator who rarely raised his voice to make a point.
His son, however, has come out to reveal a private and rarely told moment when the statesman’s rage went over the roof and ultimately shaped the future of the country.
In a sit-down with Nation, Jimmy Kibaki recalled that President Kibaki became angry in the run to the 2013 General Election when he learnt that some State House operatives had attempted to block Uhuru Kenyatta, the then Presidential hopeful, from reaching him.
At the time, Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, who was also running for the presidency, had the support of some senior officials working in the Office of the President.
The Mudavadi-allied officials reportedly blocked Uhuru from accessing Kibaki at State House – prompting Jimmy and former First Lady Lucy Kibaki to intervene.
According to the former president’s son, Kibaki was so furious after learning the development that he nearly fired the State House comptroller.
“When it came to my attention, I went and told the President and the State House Comptroller was almost fired on that day. That was one of the few times I saw my father shouting.
“He was very upset. He told the comptroller that Uhuru was the only person allowed to go to State House without the requirement of an appointment since ‘he is my neighbour.’,” Jimmy told the publication.
The businessman added that President Kibaki shortly after informed the military and the intelligence community that Kenyatta’s son would be his preferred successor – for purposes of state planning.
The younger Kibaki added that his father shared a strong bond with Uhuru straight from birth.
The special bond between Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru stemmed straight from the latter’s birth since the Kibakis were close family friends with the Kenyattas.
When Uhuru was born, Kibaki served as the Godfather and even suggested the name ‘Uhuru’ which became his baptismal name.
“My father is President Kibaki’s Godfather, the Godfather of Jomo Kenyatta’s favourite son. When he was born, my father is the one who suggested the name ‘Uhuru’ to Jomo since Kenya was on the cusp of independence.
“When Uhuru walks into the room, my father lights up. He likes seeing his Godson,” added Jimmy noting that he grew up with Uhuru and his brother Muhoho Kenyatta. They attended the same kindergarten.
Regarding Uhuru’s Presidency style, Jimmy noted that Mwai prefers to keep his views private despite Uhuru having borrowed a leaf from the former President in a bid to cement his legacy in his final term.
During Mwai Kibaki’s regime, his government dedicated most of its resources for national causes and development within the country in his first years.
He pumped billions of shillings in infrastructural projects during his final term in the Mt Kenya region which mirrors the path Uhuru is perceivably taking.
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