Kibaki Hits at Raila over KDF Fete Criticism

President Kibaki crowned what could be his last fete at State House in characteristic style, as he hurled stinging, thinly veiled jabs at Prime Minister Raila Odinga, his co- Principal in the Grand Coalition. In apparent reference to Raila’s criticism to the military send-off the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gave Kibaki two weeks ago, Kibaki said it was not he who prompted the honour but it was conferred on him in recognition of his good work.

When KDF ushered Kibaki out in ceremonial style as their Commander-in-Chief, Raila reacted by wondering why they were doing it then, yet a petition he had filed against the presidential election was yet to be concluded, and there were prospects of the presidency prolonging depending on the outcome. Raila later lost the petition.

In his off cuff remarks yesterday, Kibaki urged Kenyans to remain supportive of national initiatives instead of complaining all the time. “You need to stop criticising someone who has already been congratulated, he has been congratulated not because he is praising himself, but because he has done good things to people” said Kibaki without mentioning names, as he terminated his speech with heavy words.

However, it was a nostalgic send-off for Kibaki as current and former senior civil servants who served under him paid glowing tribute to his ten year tenure. The farewell luncheon held at State House was attended by top officials in the public service. Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who lost under the Cord coalition with Raila, struck a poignant note as he said he had wished to succeed Kibaki.

“I would have liked to succeed you but others have, I think it’s better that we continue with a government and a strong opposition,” said Kalonzo. Other speakers included deputy Prime minister Musalia Mudavadi and various outgoing cabinet ministers from the coalition government. Former head of public service Francis Muthaura recapped various moments he shared with Kibaki including the 2005 referendum and the controversial 2007 presidential election.

“I remember calling you when you were in Nyeri to see if it was possible for you to come to Nairobi, after the Constitution was rejected and you told me it was over, we should move on,” said Muthaura. He commended Kibaki for remaining unperturbed over the defeat in the 2005 referendum. Kibaki had also brushed off suggestions to have the Thika superhighway, one of his major infrastructural projects, named after him. Finance Minister Njeru Githae recalled: “When I enquired from you what name we shall give the road, you (Kibaki) asked where the road was heading to, and I said Thika, then you said that was it.”

- The People