Lucy Kibaki ,a woman of substance whose place in history will remain indelible.
Lucy Muthoni Kibaki, born in 1934 was the wife of former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and she was the First Lady of Kenya from 2002 to 2013. The late passed away as she was receiving treatment in London under the presence of her whole family which stood by her during her illness.
Mama Lucy Kibaki as she was commonly referred to, her name “Mama” suggests that she was full of motherly character.Mrs Kibaki was admitted in Intensive Care notably on March 11, 2016 and after ten days it was confirmed that she was responding positively to the medication.
Lucy, with honor, if we refer to her by her first name, she was a firewall when it came to family matters. She always stood out to protect her family name with her entire heart and energy.
After the retirement of President Mwai Kibaki, Lucy was not common in public. However, her last public appearance was on August, 27 2010 during the promulgation of the public when she was seen dancing to Emily Kosgei’s song, Taunet ne lel Kalenjin language meaning “a new beginning”.
Family shield
The late will be remembered for many things. Just to mention a few: Her fight for health care, standing for women and mostly for fighting for her family’s reputation. It will remembered that Lucy did put her family above everything else. A journalist who both formally and informally interacted with Kibaki’s family said that “she cared more about her children than anything else’ and “she would do anything for them”
Lucy would be stopped by nothing in her defense for her family. In 2009, Lucy accompanied her husband Mwai Kibaki who at that time was reading a statement to the nation as he clarified that he had only one wife, Mrs Lucy Kibaki hence people should halt the rumours they were spreading. This was as a result of claims by Othaya MP Mary Wambui that she was wife to former president Mwai Kibaki.
In May 3 2005 was one of her memorable times when she stormed Nation Centre to protest a story that had been covered in print and electronic media about how she had “interrupted” a party by Makhtar Diop, former World Bank Country Director who also happened to be her neighbor criticizing the actions. She later defended herself that she was claiming the rights of Muthaiga residents and denied that her Children Judy and David were not in that party for they were dignified not to “attend nightclub parties”.
Lucy also slapped an officer in 2007 for mistakenly introducing her as “First Lady Mama Lucy Wambui” during December 12 state house garden party. The officer was not the only one who faced her Wrath. The Vice president, Moody Awori also found his cheek tasting the “slap of embarrassment” from the first lady in 2004 when he toasted her as “second lady” causing her to walk out of the state banquet. Awori later said it was a slip of the tongue.
The Nation Woman
Lucy was not only a mother and protector to her family alone but also the voice of women. During her stay in state house as the first Lady she advocated and campaigned in support of rights of children, called to an to end the of discrimination and prejudice against women and even the fights tackling Aids.
Moreover, she is known to have assisted a community receive power connections after reports reached her that the villagers were fundraising cash for the initiative by paying Kenya Power undisclosed amount to do the work. She was also known for her frequency in participating in Harambees.
Leaders Mourn
Paying their last tribute to Mama Lucy Kibaki, Members of Parliament observed a minute of silence in her honour after Justin Muturi, National assembly speaker read a condolence message in the national assembly. Among who sent their condolence were His excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, His deputy Wiliam Ruto, the second and retired president of Republic of Kenya, Daniel Torotich Arap Moi, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with all terming her as heroine with exemplary intelligence and a friend to her family and the whole nation.