Kibaki's final journey: No handshakes as DP Ruto receives Uhuru

Body of the late President Mwai Kibaki arrives at the parliament buildings

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Mama Margaret Kenyatta have arrived at Parliament buildings to lead the nation in the public viewing of the body of the third President, the late Mwai Kibaki.

The Head of State was received by his deputy, and now political nemesis, William Ruto.

President Uhuru Kenyatta received by Deputy President William Ruto kibaki

President Uhuru Kenyatta is received by Deputy President William Ruto at Parliament buildings to pay respects to the late former President Emilio Mwai Kibaki.

Photo credit: Courtesy | Parliament
President Uhuru Kenyatta received by Deputy President William Ruto kibaki

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta when they arrived at Parliament buildings to pay respects to the late former President Emilio Mwai Kibaki.

Photo credit: Courtesy | Parliament

The president avoided handshakes with all the leaders, including the DP,  National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and his Senate counterpart Ken Lusaka, instead bowing with his hands clasped together.

Both Muturi and Lusaka are supporting DP Ruto's presidential bid in the August General Election.

Ruto receiving President Uhuru at Parliament buildings

Other leaders at Parliament include Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and the Chief of Defence Forces Robert Kibochi.

Also present: the vice president during Kibaki's second term (2007 - 2013) Kalonzo Musyoka, National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya, Governors and a host of MPs.

DP Ruto arrives at parliament buildings to pay his last respects to President Mwai Kibaki

President Kibaki’s body arrived at Parliament buildings minutes before 7.30am and it will lie in state for public viewing from today April 25 through Wednesday April 27.

Mzee Kibaki’s son Jimmy Kibaki and the rest of the Kibaki family arrived at Parliament moments after the body's arrival.

Mwai Kibaki solemn procession

President Mwai Kibaki's solemn procession arrives at Parliament Buildings.

Photo credit: Mary Wambui | Nation Media Group

The solemn procession left Lee Funeral Home at about 7.05am and went through Valley Road, Kenyatta Avenue, Uhuru Highway through to Parliament Road.

Religious leaders from different faiths arrived soon after the body had arrived to facilitate religious rites ahead of the ceremonial removal of the body from the casket in readiness for public viewing.

Mwai Kibaki solemn procession

The gun carrier that escorted the late President Mwai Kibaki's body to Parliament buildings.

Photo credit: Mary Wambui | Nation Media Group
1931 - 2022: Kibaki's final journey